“I’ve had a remarkable life. I seem to be in such good places at the right time. You know, if you were to ask me to sum my life up in one word, gratitude.” – Carole King
This month, I suggest that you cultivate an attitude for gratitude. The fact that November is the month for Thanksgiving celebrations makes it easier to focus on gratitude. However, given our consumer culture, it is easy to want more and better – more friends, more money, a better house, or a better job. But are you truly grateful for what you currently have? Take a deep breath and focus on being thankful for every person, event, and thing in your life right now. I remind myself of the many people, events, and things I am thankful for by keeping a Gratitude journal and interacting with family and friends as often as possible. I am grateful to have all of you in my life. You are so important to me.
This past weekend highlighted the rewards of being with friends. Three of my best friends – Kathy, Laura, and Elizabeth — and I went to Lee, MA in the Berkshires to celebrate our 50th birthdays. I have known Kathy since birth, Laura since elementary school, and Elizabeth since high school. We have been best friends for over 40 years. Amazing!
Since we are four busy ladies, it took us months to plan a three-day weekend when we could all get together. However, we had a blast. We enjoyed wonderful meals at various restaurants, shopped at the Lee Premium Outlets Center, and learned about the architecture and families at the Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. We even participated in a game of pool and bravely performed two karaoke songs – Piano Man by Billy Joel and The Gambler by Kenny Rogers. A fun time was had by all.
I don’t know many people that can say that their best friends have been with them for over 40 years. I am so grateful for their friendship. I also have a set of friends from college with whom I’ve been friends for over 30 years. I love and value them all. I do believe in developing lifelong friendships and have been fortunate that it happened.
It feels so good to be around people that “get” you. They accept you as you are. They do, however, offer constructive criticism (most of the time) in addition to genuine love. If you haven’t taken a ladies or men’s weekend away lately, I suggest doing so. You come back grounded and ready to face the world again. It is surprising how many problems can be resolved when you talk them through with real friends.
I hope this message encourages you to process thoughts about gratitude in your lives. One way you can show your gratitude is to send thank you cards or emails to friends to let them know they are special. Although not everyone celebrates Christmas, almost everyone celebrates Thanksgiving.
Another way to show your gratitude is to enjoy your Thanksgiving celebration in the presence of others. Offer to do, make, or bring something to the person hosting the Thanksgiving dinner. If you are hosting, be thankful for all the people sitting around your table.
Thank you to all of my clients, past and present. I appreciate you more than you will ever know.
And I wish a very Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Drama Update
John Robert was Prince Charming for his New England School Performing Arts (NESPA) Drama Group last weekend, and, this week, he plays Iago in the musical, Aladdin. Two performances going at the same time are challenging, but he is up for it. This is what he loves to do, and it doesn’t seem like work or effort to him. Remember you knew him when… before he makes it big.
Upcoming Event
- Forum: 2020 Goal Setting for Success with Accountability, Balance, and Success.
- Date and Time: Wednesday, January 29 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- Place: Constant Contact Headquarters, Reservoir Place, 1601 Trapelo Road, Waltham, MA 02451.
I would love you to attend. The Eventbrite link is www.bit.ly/Goals2020MDP. Although the event is free, donations are greatly appreciated and go to Boston Children’s Hospital.
With gratitude and best wishes,
Lisa Sasso, Executive Coach & Motivational Speaker
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