|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You may be wondering why I would call this article a Thankful Thanksgiving. Aren't all Thanksgivings Thankful? Unfortunately, no. As a person who has experienced over 70 Thanksgivings, I recognize that being thankful is something that we have to work at, even on Thanksgiving.
If your home is like most, your Thanksgiving day will be very busy, with either traveling to where you want to go or preparing your home to have others over for the day. Either way, that can be very hectic and emotionally trying, which doesn't lend itself to preparing your heart to be reflective and thankful. In fact, Thanksgiving weekend is the most traveled weekend in America. Airports are full, and not always providing much room for contemplation of your good fortune.
This means all the more that if we want to be the kind of people who are characterized by thankfulness, then we must make sure that we focus on it, and not just on Thanksgiving Day, but at all times during the year.
Here are a few key words as well as some thoughts that are simple and practical to apply; something you can use right away in your quest for becoming more thankful:
Time. Set aside time regularly to be quiet, to reflect. We live in the fastest paced time ever. From the moment we awake to the moment we collapse into bed, we have the opportunity to go at full speed and never slow down. If we schedule time every day in which we can be quiet and reflect, we will free our hearts and minds up from the tyranny of the urgent and rushed.
Thought. Give thought to the many blessings that you have. Living in a consumer culture, most of us are fully aware of what we do not have and how we absolutely must have "it". But how often do we reflect upon that which we already have? Take some time each day and think of one or two things that you have that you may typically take for granted and then take a moment and give thanks for those. In fact, I make it a part of my reflection time to review a list of things that I'm thankful for.
Generosity. Be generous toward those with less and not envious of those with more. We tend to look at others who may be wealthier than ourselves and think, "I sure wish I had what he does." That kind of thinking breeds envy and jealousy rather than contentment. What can we do to break that cycle? I would suggest being generous to those who are less fortunate than yourself. Go to work at a food bank. And not just during the holidays ? everybody works there then ? but on a regular basis during the year. That will remind you of how good you really have it.
Ask. Ask a friend what they are thankful for. The next time you are at lunch with a friend, ask him or her what they are most thankful for. You will be amazed at the answers you receive and you will create a meaningful bond with your friends as you focus on this powerful question.
Acknowledge. Lastly, tell those you love how thankful you are for having them in your life. So many times we neglect to take the time to craft the words to express to those closest to us what their presence in our lives means to us. Take the opportunity of Thanksgiving Day to write them a note or sometime during the day put your hand on their shoulder, look them in the eyes and tell them. Let them know what they mean to you, and in return you'll begin to create the possibility of deeper, richer, more fulfilling relationships with those you love.
Of course we should do what we can to make the most of the day we call Thanksgiving, but wouldn't it be a shame if the only time we reflected on our blessings was that one Thursday in November? And the answer is, of course! So let's do our best to be aware of the many great gifts that we have each and every day of the year. As we do so we will see our hearts soar and our minds will experience more and more at peace as we regularly remember and remain aware of our good fortune.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Jim Rohn
Reproduced with permission from Jim Rohn's Weekly E-zine. Copyright 2005 Jim Rohn International. All rights reserved worldwide. To subscribe to Jim Rohn's Weekly E-zine, go to http://Jim-Rohn.InspiresYOU.com
Wind Chimes and more... So you know someone who likes to "veg out" in... Read More Berry Manor Inn owner, Cheryl Michaelsen wouldn't admit it, but... Read More You're tired. You've worked hard all week. Suddenly, the kids... Read More Although it is now more decades away than I care... Read More The holidays will be here before you know it. Clear... Read More The last Monday of May since 1868, has been designated... Read More When it comes to Halloween there's no lack of variety... Read More Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year (January/February)It is usually in the... Read More One thing you can count on during the holiday season... Read More You can call it the emasculator of the old king,... Read More Have you ever thought what you would have done without... Read More Kelly was a very wealthy Hollywood actress, who was used... Read More Many of us believe Christmas is one of the most... Read More Sometimes gifts that you purchase are not as personalized as... Read More Turkey ... Stuffing ... Cranberry Sauce ... Pumpkin PieThis is... Read More 1. Keep a stack of directions TO your place for... Read More Most people mistakenly believe that Mother's Day is an invention... Read More Santa Claus Is ComingHoliday season brings the perennial return of... Read More Maybe your significant other is overseas in the military. Maybe... Read More Valentine's Day is often synonymous with lush velvety looking red... Read More From the time I was a very little girl, I... Read More Are you looking for the Ultimate Army Themed Party Games... Read More Did you know that after Christmas, Valentine's Day is the... Read More As we enter into the month of November my thoughts... Read More Putting up and decorating your Christmas tree is a holiday... Read More
Windchimes
for great gifts!
Gifts: What Do You Give A Couch Potato?
Decorating for a Victorian Christmas
Quick and Easy Holiday Decorating
Christmas Decorating Ideas - Edible Ornaments
Bust Holiday Stress!
Memorial Day: 3 Ways To Honor American Soldiers
What Are You Doing This Halloween?
Important Chinese Festivals
Nine Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Head To The Office Party
The Truth about Mistletoe
Gods Gift to You... Mom
A Priceless Birthday Gift
Gift Giving During Thanksgiving Adds That Special Touch
Do It Yourself Gifts
Thanksgiving Memories
Ready for Christmas? Enjoy an Organized Holiday This Year
The Origins of Mothers Day
You Better Not Lie, I?m Telling You Why
Valentine?s Day Ideas for Singles
Romance on a Budget
The Christmas Dress
Ultimate Army Themed Games & Activities for Your Childs Birthday Party
Valentines Day - A Guide for Men
Cornucopia Centerpiece for Thanksgiving Day
Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees
First, a disclaimer:This article requires information about John the Baptist,... Read More
I was not planning to write this article. Instead, I... Read More
It is widely known that many men enjoy fine jewelry.... Read More
"Mother: the most beautiful word on the lips of mankind."... Read More
I was listening to one of my favorite radio talk... Read More
Mother's Day, Do you know what you're giving the woman... Read More
Country Christmas Idea: Milkweed Pod Poinsettia OrnamentsAt first glance, milkweed... Read More
Flowers & Valentine's Day go hand in hand. Your Valentine... Read More
Father's Day...Father's Day only one month away! Father's Day is... Read More
Are you ready for Mother's Day? Yes I realize it's... Read More
If you're tired of your gifts looking like everyone else's,... Read More
Things have come a long way since a Christmas ornament... Read More
From my childhood memories, pride of place on the top... Read More
"Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me!" If... Read More
Depending on the age of your little ones, you may... Read More
Sometimes gifts that you purchase are not as personalized as... Read More
Let's admit it, the US and UK are both countries... Read More
Fun, though they are intended to be, The Holidays can... Read More
Gift Baskets are an ideal gift for nearly any occasion.... Read More
Father's Day should not be the only day that we... Read More
Jewelry can be the perfect gift for mom on Mother's... Read More
Have the holidays become too commercial for you? Are you... Read More
Halloween is an exciting night for children and a busy... Read More
Most people know that the 50th wedding anniversary is the... Read More
The holidays are officially here. And so the season for... Read More
Holiday |