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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