Thanksgiving can mean different things to different people…
As a result, I will be sharing with you a poem, as well as three video clips about being thankful: Deepak Chopra’s gratitude meditation, “What Oprah Knows about Gratitude,” and Dr Martin Seligman’s gratitude exercise.
Be Thankful
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.
Author Unknown
Gratitude – with Deepak Chopra
Gratitude – with Oprah
“Real life isn’t always going to be perfect or go our way, but the recurring acknowledgement of what is working in our lives can help us not only to survive but surmount our difficulties.” – Sarah Ban Breathnach
Dr Martin Seligman’s 3 Blessing Exercise
Wishing you and yours a Happy and Sweet Thanksgiving!
Finally, in honor of this holiday, I wanted to stop for a moment and express some of my appreciation for:
1. the food on my table (not just on Thankgiving, but everyday)
2. the warm and comfortable roof that I have over my head
3. my loving spouse and children
4. my parents who gave me life and taught me many lessons
5. my friends who have been there for me, be it for a season or for many years
6. my teachers and mentors from whom I have learned and learn so much
7. my coaches and supporters who are helping/escorting me along my journey
8. my twitter, google+ and blogger friends from whom I learn so much and whose interviews and comments make my blog the welcoming mental health resource that it is
9. the opportunity I had to go back to school and obtain a second master’s degree (my MSW) so that I may enter the field of social work
10. the clients who allowed me to partake in their journey and help them tap into their inner resources so as to feel better and/or achieve the beginning of some of their dreams
What would be on your top 10 list?
