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BE THANKFUL
I hope that
you had a fabulous weekend. Many of us will gather with friends and
family this week to give thanks. It's so easy to get caught up in
shopping, decorating and deciding what to prepare that we sometimes
forget to plan how we will show thanks or remember the things we're
grateful for.
Have you given any thought to what you're thankful for? As you
reflect on 2015, what were the highlights? What are you most thankful
for?
We have a tradition at my house where everyone at the table
talks about something they're thankful for: health, jobs,
relationships, finances or just life itself is a reason to celebrate.
This year we will start a new tradition that a friend of mine told me
about: a Blessing Jar.
Throughout the year, we all deliberately make note of blessings on a
piece of paper and put them in the jar. At Thanksgiving, we will set
aside time to read through each piece of paper and take a few moments
to say thanks for all the blessings in our lives.
What is a blessing? Anything that encourages you or brightens
your day.
It could be a card from someone special, an encouraging phone call, an
encouraging word from a friend, an answered prayer, a friend who
comforts you through a tough time. You name it. These are your
blessings. Record them, and place them in your Blessing Jar.
I'm so thankful for your contribution to our industry! If
there's anything I can help with, please pick up the phone.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
You don't have to wait until next Thanksgiving to start your
Blessing Jar tradition. Start this week, and have everyone put
blessings in the jar. You can even have a "Counting of Blessings
Celebration" on New Year's Eve.
WEEKLY ACTIVITY
How to start your Blessing Jar:
1. Get a large jar or container. A clear one is nice because you
can watch it fill up throughout the year.
2. Place your jar in a visible location, and keep it there all
year long.
3. Place a pen and a stack of 3×5 cards or paper next to the
jar. Also consider carrying some in your briefcase, bookbag, purse,
etc.
4. As soon as possible after you experience a blessing, write it
down.
As soon as you're near your Blessing Jar, place the paper into the jar.
Each blessing is written on its own card or piece of paper.
5. At Thanksgiving, or at the end of the year, set aside an hour
or so to read through each blessing.
6. Bonus: On discouraging days throughout the year, read a few
of your blessings for instant encouragement. Be sure to put the
blessings back in the jar for the end of the year reading.
WORDS OF WISDOM
"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings,
turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into
blessings." - William Arthur Ward
"It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can
afford to be stupid with them." -
Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Most of us never stop to consider our blessings; rather,
we spend the day only thinking about our problems. But since you have
to be alive to have problems, be grateful for the opportunity to have
them." - Bernie Siegel
"Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year
because it reminds us to give thanks and to count our blessings.
Suddenly, so many things become so little when we realize how blessed
and lucky we are." - Joyce Giraud
"You have been blessed with immeasurable power to make
positive changes in your life."
- Steve Maraboli
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