Please Take Time to Thank Someone Today
He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. Epictetus
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I want to honor the true spirit of the holiday by taking the time out to list some of the many things I am thankful for.
On a business and professional level:
Customers: It all begins here. I am thankful for the customers I’ve served this year, especially the people within these companies who make it a pleasure to work with them. Fonterra (Alex), Origio Mid-Atlantic Devices (Mike), Qualcomm (Bill, Ruth, Terie), Ricoh (Barry), Verizon Wireless (Dan).
Friends and network contacts, especially old friends I’ve reconnected with, and new friends who exchange ideas and encouragement. (Andy, Luke, Pernilla)
Teachers and mentors: There’s no way I could have figured out how to launch this blog without “Spensei”, Dave Brock, or Tony DiFranco.
People who read my blog, especially those comment thoughtfully (Brian). I hope to keep making it worth your time, and will always listen very carefully to what you have to say. If I’m not always smart enough to agree, that’s my fault, not yours.
People in my classes who are eager to learn. You make teaching and training fulfilling and more than just a job.
On a personal level:
My country. It’s fashionable to talk about how our country is in decline, but I’ve been around long enough to have heard it all before; it wasn’t true then and isn’t true now. I don’t write this to slight my international friends: in my travels I’ve met many people from other lands who are just as justifiably proud of their heritage.
Our armed forces, who sacrifice, sweat and bleed so that the rest of us can enjoy a day of plenty, surrounded by loved ones, in complete safety.
The freedom to speak my mind, to be wrong, to publish an opinion without having to worry about a midnight visit from the police.
My family: Lisa, Andrew and Mackenzie. I’m especially thankful for Mom’s example of courage and grace since Dad passed on.
Good health. It’s so easy to take for granted, until something happens to those close to you. Get well soon, Uncle Jack and Jonathan!
Life’s challenges and annoyances, because they give me a chance to become a better person.
My two rambunctious black dogs—they have a lot of faults but ingratitude is not one of them. They never forget to express gratitude through their tails.
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Jack, thanks for the outstanding post. It’s so important to pause and think about how fortunate each of us really is.
Thanks for the mention, though it is hardly necessary. In a selfish sense, it always seems that I get so much more from these conversations than I give–thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk and clarify some of my own thinking!
Have a great holiday!
What a great and thoughtful post, Jack!
Let me take this opportunity to tell you how thankful I have been to be a part of your life and this blog this past year. As someone who is interested in discovering and communicating valid knowledge, you are a constant inspiration to me.
I’ll add that your post above fits into some of my own research on people who seek self-mastery (or self-harmony). As I read this genuine and regardful article, I’m reminded of what seem to me to be two essential steps to more self-mastered states of being:
1. Awareness of self, others and environment: http://www.excellencetree.com/journal/616/self-mastery-tip-enhance-your-awarenessattentionmindfulness
2. Cultivation of peace of mind: http://www.excellencetree.com/journal/625/self-mastery-tip-cultivate-your-peace-of-mind
I think exercises like writing the article that you did above can help us all to become more aware of the resources and gifts that we have, which can help us to experience more peaceful, centered states of mind (which can help us deal the inevitable challenges of life with more clear thinking). I think we can all be thankful that you have once again served as a model for how we can all become more helpful to ourselves, our loved ones and everyone with whom we come in contact!
Hope this Thanksgiving is a great one for you and yours, Jack.