“If you have time to whine and complain about something, then you have the time to do something about it.”
-Anthony J. D’Angelo
Good morning! I don’t know about you, but I have made a few observations. (1) A lot of people like to complain-they almost seem addicted to complaining, chaos or negativity. (2) Often we are too busy to just “stop” and be thankful!
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays, with its absence of stressors like presents and high expectations. It reminds us all to STOP and celebrate what we have instead of what we want.
I think many of us could benefit from a few more “Thanksgivings” throughout the year. In our home, we began celebrating the twentieth of each month (chosen at random) as Thankfulness day. Then we even prepare a special dinner and spend our time thinking of all we are grateful. Sammy and I take turns being the designated “journal keeper,” writing down each gratitude, who said it, and the date. Then, on Thanksgiving Day, we share our “Family Gratitude Journal.”
Your Turn: Whether you are a family of one or 100, designate one night a month to celebrating thankfulness. I have found when I anticipate recording items I am thankful for I appreciate more and more each day. We tend to find what we look for-begin looking for life’s blessings.
Today’s Affirmation: I am thankful for today.
No truer words have been said. It makes for a better outlook when you focus on the your reasons to be grateful. Things can be rough and tough. The circumstances around you may be painting a difficult and different picture, but in even in the worse situations, I try to find the positive – the reasons to be grateful. This reminder helps me and allows me to help others, too.
We do a modified version of your thankfulness day at our house. Each night after supper we do our “good things”. Each child and adult shares something good about their day. They can share as much as they want, but only positive things. This helps us focus on the good, even when it seems to have been a “rotten” day; there is always something to be thankful for. Also it helps me as a parent to stay in touch w/ the goings on of their day and what is meaningful to them.
Each night, after we say our prayers, our family states 3 “I’m thankful for”… statements. My 6 year old ds has done this since he could talk and comes up with clever, thoughtful “thankfuls” but I love when he is just as thankful for the everyday ordinary–“I’m thankful for my cozy bed” or “playing with my friends.” It’s a wonderful way to reflect on the day and all the good that we have in our lives.
I am thankful for wonderful parents who have been so devoted to my sister and me since the day we were born that many times they went without so we could have as many opportunities in this life as possible. I know I took it for granted when I was younger but now don’t miss an opportunity to thank them for all they have done for me.
When I read this message yesterday, I didn’t have a clue of the difficult trials I would be facing later in the day. I went to the sprint room and worked like crazy busting through every task I attempted to do. I even bragged to Rhonda that she would be so proud of my progress. That afternoon, I had a doctor’s appoint and a few errands to run. I informed my family Operation Ugly was on the evening’s entertainment agenda.
Then my world didn’t stop…but it certainly had a big HICCUP! My doctor said, Cathy, your not in trouble…you are in DEEP trouble. For the next 2 hours he went over lab values and medical treatment plans. He even stopped and asked if I would allow him to pray for me. What a dear!!!
I admit that I was feeling rather numb. As I got into the car to drive home, my CAN lay open with today’s quote. I remembered an earlier conversation with my DH about Thanksgiving. I promised him a turkey dinner with all the trimmings later this month….it is his favorite. When I returned home and went to the computer….mind you, my DH had not heard my news yet…..there was an email from him. It said, “”Challenges are what makes life interesting…Overcoming them is what makes life meaningful” . I didn’t whine or complain about the news but I did confess later that evening to my DH that I was not up for Operation Ugly. He gave me a big hug and kiss and told me that was okay….he wasn’t looking forward to it either. He promised to sprint with me later this weekend. Thanks Brook for your daily words of encouragement. They really MAKE TODAY MATTER!
Right in my CAN everyday I write three things am Thankful for. It works very well.