Today is my favorite holiday.
It’s Thanksgiving in the United States, and it’s a day I look forward to every year. Yes, the food, a Bloody Mary, football, and family can make for an excellent day. However, it’s a special day to reflect on things big and small you’re grateful for.
Which is essential because gratitude is one of the few things in life that changes how you feel without changing your circumstances. It is impossible to be grateful and unhappy at the same time.
The harsh truth is that gratitude does not happen on its own. You must slow down long enough to see what is good in your life. You must anchor yourself in the present moment and pay attention to the things you normally overlook.
There is a good chance you are facing real challenges right now. Maybe it is stress at work. Maybe it is pressure at home. Maybe it's a marriage on the rocks. Maybe it’s a splintered relationship with a child. While true, they also try to pull you away from gratitude and into cynicism, resentment, or frustration.
But not today. Today is Thanksgiving, and you are going to do the Gratitude Five Challenge.
The Gratitude Five Challenge
List five things, people, or situations for which you are grateful. If you are with family, have everyone make their own list and share it. If you are at work, encourage your team to do the same. And if you want a buddy, reply with your list, and I will read it.
Here is my Gratitude Five today:
The Optimistic Outlook – This little daily email brings joy and hope to me, and my hope is to you as well.
My wife Amy – We have walked through incredible highs and painful lows together, and I don’t take for granted having something to go through them with. Thank you for allowing me to follow my passions, even when it hasn’t always been profitable.
John Ellis and Lucy – It’s easy to brag about your kids, but I have two exceptional young people living in my house. Note, I didn’t say perfect. Getting the opportunity to teach and contribute to your life is a blessing.
Clients and Partners– For years, I dreamed of getting opportunities to coach, uplift, and speak to groups. Some days I pinch myself knowing I get to do things today, I dreamed about 10 years ago. If, for some reason, it ends today, thank you for trusting your development or the development of your employees into my care.
Competition – I hate losing more than I love winning. But it doesn’t matter if it’s football, golf, business, cards, or Wordle; getting the opportunity to compete in life is something I am grateful for. It lights me up.
Wherever you are reading this from, I hope Thanksgiving brings you peace, perspective, and a moment to notice the gifts you already have.
Happy Thanksgiving,
John Eades
It is impossible to be grateful and unhappy simultaneously.
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Use Your Gifts,
John Eades
Creator, The Leadership Lens & The Optimistic Outlook