Thankfulness: A Love Story (Part 5)

And yes, you can be thankful, and content, and still have goals for bettering yourself and your life.  Being contented doesn't mean you're complacent.  Making yourself better is going to increase your attitude of gratitude.

Strive for your goals - and - continue to be grateful for what you already have.

I just finished another semester of continuing education courses.  Yet again, the experience was enriching in so many ways.  I truly believe that learning should be a life-long experience.  Wikipedia defines lifelong learning as the ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons. Therefore, it not only enhances social inclusion, active citizenship and personal development, but also competitiveness and employability.    

The effects of lifelong learning as we get older offer even more benefits - whether it’s learning how to dance, speak a foreign language, write a newsletter, improve your golf swing, or repair your car - for adults 50-plus it:

• Keeps your mind sharp
• Improves memory
• Increases self-confidence
• Saves money as you learn to “do it yourself”
• Gives you a feeling of accomplishment
• Helps you meet people who share your interests
• Builds on skills you already have
• Gives you a new interest that you can share with family and friends   

  "You learn something every day if you pay attention."  - Ray LeBlond

And, during this holiday season, realize that family traditions also offer wonderful opportunities for learning.  Practices that incorporate expressing gratitude, journaling about our blessings, thoughtful gift giving (not blatant consumerism), and random acts of kindness.  These provide family members of all ages - young and old - a chance to learn from one another, and express their gratitude not only to each other, but to the wider community, and world.

I'm incredibly grateful for the countless opportunities to learn. There's still so much out there that I don't know. Lifelong learning truly is a gift.

"Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can and there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did."  - Sarah Caldwell
 

Thankfulness: A Love Story (Part 4)

Here are more  - and some surprising - things to be thankful for.

Second Chances - If you’ve ever forgiven or been forgiven, you know there’s nothing more encouraging, freeing and beautiful than second chances. It’s never too late to reconcile or redeem. 

Love - For letting you feel what it means to truly be alive.

Laughter - For its wonderful sound, and for helping you forget your worries, if even for a moment.

Life - For giving you the chance to experience all that you’re experiencing.

Travel - Be grateful for your freedom to explore, experience and learn from others on this diverse and fascinating planet. 

Food -  If you have food on your table, be thankful for it. Not everyone is as fortunate as you are. 

Tears – For helping you express your deepest emotions.

Fears – So you know your opportunities for growth. 

Heartbreaks - For helping you mature and become a better person.

Mistakes - Be thankful for the hard times, the mistakes, and the pain. They’ve made you stronger, smarter, and can reassure you that you’ll survive the next one too. 

Kind strangers – For brightening up your day when you least expect it.

You - For being who you are and touching the world with your presence.  Thank you!

And if none that that resonates with you, here's one final thought...

"If you haven’t all the things you want, 
be grateful for the things you don’t have 
that you wouldn’t want." - Unknown

Thankfulness: A Love Story (Part 3)

Not sure where to begin?  Start with the easy ones.

Your Health - Be thankful for what you have. 

Your Senses - They allow you to enjoy all the beautiful sights, sounds, tastes and smells of this world.  Your life experiencewould be dramatically reduced without them.

Your Family - This relationship is often complicated and challenging.  Good or bad, they helped make you into the person you are today.  Show your thanks.

Your Friends - In our modern world, this likely is your "real" family.  They're the ones that know you best of all and share in your laughter and tears.  Be sincere, dependable, and a good listener.

Your Enemies - For uncovering your faults, and opening your eyes to ways you can be a better person.

Your Teachers - Let them know that you appreciate their dedication and the knowledge they pass down to you.  Remember, they're not doing it for the money, they're doing it because they care.

Your Community - Be thankful for these people that brighten your day - the neighbors, barista, bus driver, whomever.   Smile, let them know you appreciate them, and wish them a nice day.

Your Freedom - America's not perfect, but it certainly does have it's perks (especially for women and minorities).  Don't take it for granted.  Be thankful for your democratic priviledges - vote and make your voice heard about issues that matter to you.

Nature - For all of its beauty, inspiration, and healing power.

Technology - For making the imposible, possible, and our lives easier (sometimes).

Your Job - Whether it's your dream job or just a paycheck, hopefully it gives you a means by which to add value to the world.

Your Mind - For the ability to think, create, and store memories.

"If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation,
you will discover that your life will
suddenly be filled with gratitude,
a feeling that nurtures the soul."
- Rabbi Harold Kushner
in the essay "God's Fingerprints on the Soul"