Growing up, my family never had the tradition of sitting around the thanksgiving table and sharing what we were thankful for. And, to be honest, I am glad. I don’t like forced traditions (not that it is a bad idea – just one of my quirks). But as we approach Thanksgiving, I gave some thought to what I should be thankful for – especially those things I think about less often but really do find important. Here are seven things I am thankful for but often forget to acknowledge.
1. Opportunity
Think about those people who gave you a chance, a shot at becoming something better and bigger. There are people who gave me opportunity. And without them, I would never have had the chance to do what I now do and enjoy doing almost every day. So as I think about those people, and there are a few in particular, I am forever thankful.
2. Forgiveness
Can you imagine a life without forgiveness? Really think about that. You respond in anger. You fail at a major project. You tell a lie and get caught. You talk about someone behind her back. And forgiveness NEVER comes. The idea of living in a world without forgiveness is crushing. Forgiveness from God, forgiveness from supervisors, and forgiveness from family is worthy of thanks.
3. Failure
I know. Not exactly what you think about when it comes to being thankful. But doesn’t failure shape us, motivate us, and grow us stronger? Without the risk of failure, we really would not learn because learning involves experimenting, and experimenting will sometimes lead to failure. While it is embarrassing when it happens, most successful people will tell you that failure has played a part in their growth, often as much or more than success. And so, I am thankful for my failures, which over the course of 59 years are plentiful.
4. Friend
Notice I did not say plural “friends.” Not that more is not better. But many people have casual social connections but really do not have that one good friend – someone they trust without any hesitation. Someone who would take the proverbial bullet for them. I am actually thinking of two exceptional friends (yes, I cheated by thinking of two and not one but remember, I am also thankful for forgiveness). And I am really thankful for these two special people.
5. The Little Things (Like Diet Coke)
Most of us have something small in our lives that we enjoy. For example, I love having Diet Coke once a day. (Even though I have heard it MANY times that it is bad for me and may result in my growing a third thumb!) But, I am thankful for Diet Coke. It is a treat. I am sure you have that “little thing” that you enjoy (think chocolate cake, glass of wine, or – as in the case of my 93 year old mom – a milk shake every night at exactly 6:15). Sometimes I forget to be thankful for the little things that are not life changing but do bring a bit of pleasure during a busy day in a busy life.
6. Stress
Most of us avoid stress and those things that cause it – things like taking a risk, confronting someone, speaking publicly, or accepting a new assignment. While too much stress can have serious results (think of driving your car too fast or too long), stress is also a gift. When I am stressed, I am likely being stretched in some fashion. And just as muscle does not grow without experiencing the addition of stress, neither do I. So as much as I do not like it, I am thankful for stress.
7. Hope
Is anything more difficult than the loss of all hope? Hope renews the spirit for another day. It reminds us that the cancer we are fighting, the failures we are experiencing, or the money we are lacking is not the end of the story. Here is what God provides for me when I am in relationship with him: “He will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock,” Psalm 27:5. That is worthy of thanks.
So, what are you forgetting to be thankful for this November?
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Jay Desko is the CEO of The Center Consulting Group and brings experience in the areas of organizational assessment, leadership coaching, decision-making, and strategic questioning. Jay’s degrees include an M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from The Union Institute.
