Whenever you are having a really bad day, I have a way for you to break through and get yourself back in a good groove. I bring this up as we approach one of my favorite holidays – Thanksgiving. 
Stopping to reflect on what you are thankful for can act like armor. It can protect you against resentment, greed, envy, and even materialism. No matter what mood you are in, if you really spend some time thinking about all the great things going on in your life, the sense of gratitude can kick a lot of butt for you and get rid of the negative stuff. I realize this is easier for some to do than others. You might be reading this and find yourself in the middle of a divorce or dealing with some kind of family health issue. Maybe your business isn’t good or your financial position is giving you reasons for stress. Stop what you are doing right now and create a list of things you are thankful for and I promise it will make a difference. So here goes mine:
- I am thankful for having a wife and kids that love me in spite of being a huge dork. (Their words.)
- For the strong connection to my father, mother, brother, and sister.
- For living in a great small community with awesome friends, attending an amazing church, and working at a job I really enjoy.
- For all of my screw ups. That learning helps me grow.
- I am thankful to be part of a solid industry with some people that I genuinely enjoy being around.
- I appreciate the fact I sell products with purpose – meaning they can directly impact the quality of somebody’s life and that there is so much in our business that has not been done yet.
- I am thankful I was born an American and live in the best country in the world, and grateful to all of those people who have protected our borders in the past and present.
- And I am thankful for all of you, the readers of this blog!
It is so easy to be with a friend that just purchased that brand-new car and wish you had one too, or to hear about a vacation someone is taking and quietly envy “their life” over your own. When that happens, just break out the list you created and remind yourself of all the things that bring you joy. I will never forget the saying Sister Joan taught me in third grade (hard to believe I still remember it). “I used to sing the blues ‘cause I had no shoes, ‘til I met the guy on the street that didn’t have any feet.” Marinate on that one for a little while.
So what are you thankful for? Tell me in the comments section!
P.S. Once again, I have ripped off my pastor, Aaron Brown, with a few of his thoughts, so thank you, Aaron, for continuing to inspire this blog. I am thankful for you, too.