Thankful for Uncle Al…and you!

Define Family.

Define Friends.

Define Life.

These are core ponderings of philosophers of the past, present and will continue on in the future.

If you have a clear definition, a truth if you will, an irrefutable concrete way to describe, define and understand – Please Do Share!

Many a movie, many a book, many a lecture, many a TEDtalk, many a therapist have tried to pinpoint and even universalize our thoughts, feelings and characteristics surrounding what family means, what friendship truly comprises, and what is the meaning of life.

Just flip on the Hallmark Channel and you will see the same plot line – basically how somebody has strayed or forgotten what family and friendship means, or how to love and live a full life.

Inevitably in the Norman Rockwell idyllic winter wonderland it all works out and they find their “It’s a Wonderful Life” ending.

But in the 3-D world we live in, many people are more aligned and connected to their devices then to the humans and activities around them. 

“The most exciting breakthroughs of the 21^st Century will not occur because of technology but because of an expanding concept of what it means to be human.” – John Naisbitt

Thanksgiving season often has us reflecting on what we are grateful for in our lives.  The people, our businesses, status or circumstances, our means, or our health. 

We all know that showing our gratitude towards others is important, so we go through the motions –

                Thanks for the meal.

                Thanks for the business.

                Thanks for coming over today.

                We appreciate what you did.

But thanking is different than knowing, and expressing, what exactly you are thankful FOR.  Unexpressed gratitude can be interpreted as being ungrateful – even if you say “thanks” for the surface action.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around” – Leo Buscaglia

So, as you sit at the table with crazy Uncle Al or annoying Aunt Fiona remember to find the joy in their presence.  Let them know you enjoy their unique qualities, their quirks and their company. 

It is important to say thanks, to show our appreciation, but even more so it is important to tell them WHY we are thankful, what they mean to us and the effect they have had on our lives.

Thank those that made the meal, not because it filled your stomach and was pleasant to the taste buds, but because it fills your heart that they are in your life.  Let them know that you appreciate the efforts they made to show their love for those enjoying the meal with you.  It’s not about the food, it is about the togetherness. 

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” – Mother Teresa

Express genuine gratitude and appreciation to your clients and customers, past and present. Not just for the transaction and helping you to grow – but for their faith in you, their belief in your business, and their loyalty. IF they have given you referrals be sure to thank them for that as well.

If we have learned anything I our years on this Earth, it is that being together with family should NEVER be taken for granted.  And our clients and customers should NEVER be taken for granted – they have a choice of who to work with. They chose you. Be grateful, be appreciative, be thankful.  Because in an instant it can change.  And it could be your life that is turned around.