Giving Thanks

A quote attributed to Henry Ford was, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” If you choose to see the good in a person, or situation – you will see mostly good. If you choose to see the bad in a person, or situation – you will see mostly bad. Attitude is a huge factor in success, or eventual failure.

As a parent, a long-time Scout leader, and business owner, I have coached people that view the glass as half full, others who view the glass as half empty, and yet others who view the glass a broken on the floor. I council that a change of perspective – to focus on the positive - can positively impact their life.

So – in the midst of your Thanksgiving activity this week – I hope all readers will find something positive for which they can give thanks. Given the recent elections, and all the negativity that comes with the political season, it is easy to become wrapped up in narratives that are all negative. This Thanksgiving I will be focusing on the positives.

Many of you will be traveling to be with loved ones. For others, friends and family will travel to you. There will be food, drink, stories, and a bit of family drama. We all have a crazy relative in the family. Do you ever look in the mirror and wonder if that crazy relative is you?

I will be thankful to be with friends and family this Thanksgiving season. Everyone but mom. We lost mom three years ago over Thanksgiving. She had health issues but had always been a fighter. We assumed she would rebound as she always had, but as our Thanksgiving visit got closer things seemed different. The day we were to travel we got up early and got on the road. When dad called we were an hour out; Mom had passed. That night was tough. Lots of memories and lots of tears. The family was already in-bound for Thanksgiving and the next morning we decided to give thanks for having such a great mom. We celebrated mom, joked about mom, toasted mom, and wondered if mom was that crazy relative in the family. Maybe.

Life has tough days, and roses have thorns. It does not matter how many times you are knocked down; it matters how many times you get up. We cannot choose the hand we are dealt in life, but we can choose how to play that hand. I will focus on the positives, and be thankful this holiday season. I hope you will do the same.