Thanksgiving Thoughts and Thanks

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, and indeed, one of my favorite posts on this blog is a post I wrote several years ago for Thanksgiving. It is a favorite because I like the topic/story and because it illustrates many of the techniques I teach and preach. I have linked to it several times on Thanksgiving and will do so again here, but I have additional thoughts to share too. I savor the count your blessings theme of this holiday. The past year has been a wonderful one for my husband and me. Our eldest son got married in March, and we were blessed with three beautiful, new grandchildren. It is easy to count ones blessings under such circumstances. Sometimes, however, it is not so easy. My cousin, whom I just visited in London, unintentionally set an example of thankfulness in the face of adversity. A stroke victim, he has very limited use of his right side and walks with a pronounced limp. I am sure that many others, less determined than he is and with a similar disability, wouldnt walk at all. A very active man and one who always moved quickly before his stroke, he expressed frustration with his limp and limitations at one point during our visit. Not surprising at all. More noteworthy was the comment he made a few minutes later. At the same time, my stroke has made me happier. How so? I asked. Every morning I am thankful when I wake up. I enjoy life more. I really appreciate the fact that I can simply get out of bed. I am thankful my speech wasnt affected. I am thankful I have the mobility that I do have. Whether you are an American well-versed with Thanksgiving or someone who knows nothing about this American holiday, his attitude of appreciation is something to think about and cultivate before facing difficulty. I hope to remember it when I face the adversity that is an inevitable part of life. In the meantime, however, I would like to use this Thanksgiving post to thank you on behalf of the Accepted.com staff for your patronage of our blog, resources, webinars, QAs, ebooks, and of course our services. It is a privilege to serve you. Thank you for the opportunity. By Linda Abraham, President and Founder of Accepted.com.