November Gratitude Wall

Happy November!  We are quickly approaching Thanksgiving, which is a time for expressing gratitude.  This month, I want to talk about the power of expressing gratitude.  This November, we have done a gratitude wall with the goal of having a wall full come the end of the month. The gratitude’s do not have to be big; they only have to be meaningful.  One staff member was grateful that she had co-workers who supported her when her baby was sick, and they did not guilt her for bringing her child to work.  Others were grateful for working in a drama-free office, or for supportive spouses. 

Giving ourselves the space to be thankful for all that we have helps us to see just how much we often take for granted. Lunch with a client; having clients; my three-year-old very passionately ending her dinner prayer with “Awe Ha!” instead of “Amen”; gas in my tank, having a car; the ability to exercise; family nearby; the love of friends and family; the humility and fear of parenting; a loving marriage; happy and healthy children; rain, sun, cloudy days, blue skies—so much to be grateful for! 

When we focus on the good, we might find that our perception of things will change.  One of my favorite quotes is, “We can always choose to perceive things differently.  You can focus on what’s wrong in your life, or you can focus on what’s right.”  It becomes increasingly more difficult to be negative when all you can think about are the positives. 

I want to share this because we all have things for which we should be grateful, and even if the company is losing money, you are out of work, or a loved one is sick, things could be worse.  I would encourage you to think about what you are grateful for this month.  And, as you close out the year, perhaps you can begin seeing the positive things that occur daily.   Happy Thanksgiving!