Being thankful

How often do you sit down and give thanks for your life?  Me, not often enough.  I have healthy kids, forging their own way in the world.  I have a host of siblings, that I get to visit every now and then, and who I talk with often through the various electronic mediums available.  I have a life that's full and great friends who are supportive and there for me through thick and thin.  When I had my knee replaced,  broke my ankle, they brought coffee and conversation, cleaning my house and ensuring I was well taken care of.  They are there through the highs and lows, and, to my shame, I'm sure I don't thank them enough!  Finally, through my work I get to meet a variety of new and interesting people! 

We read a lot about being thankful, but how much do we understand.  What does thankful mean?

thank·ful adjective \ˈthaŋk-fəl\

Definition of THANKFUL
1 conscious of benefit received <for what we are about to receive make us truly thankful>
2 expressive of thanks <thankful service>
3 well pleased : glad <was thankful that it didn't rain>

To me thankful means acknowledging what I have, ensuring that this acknowledge includes some kind of service, whether sitting on a board of a NGO, or providing pro-bono coaching to those in need.   I am one of the lucky ones, I have a roof over my head, food to eat, and an interesting life, filled with work and hobbies.   One of those hobbies, some would say passions, is the ability to read, as much as I want; right now I'm reading the Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor, a book which is both funny and informative - it's my treadmill book, so if I want to read it, I have to walk on my treadmill!  Exercise and fun together! 

Principle #1 reflects on how happiness gives your brain - and your organization - the Competitive Edge!  It's fascinating.  Think about when you feel happy at work, how is your productivity?  How does your day progress, do you notice the time flying by, or does it seem the day never ends?  What is the effect of a great supportive supervisor or leader have on how you view your job?
Happiness can help us 'achieve the extraordinary in our work and in our lives'.  (Achor, S., 2010)
What makes you happy?  How can you extend this feeling and reprogram your brain to become more positive in work and life?

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