The Importance of Being Thankful

We’re about to celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States and it’s a time that we reflect on what we’re thankful for in the past year.  I do a lot of this on this blog because I’m so grateful for everything that everyone has done to help us build this business.  Even science has shown us how much being grateful can help improve our mood and our outlook on life.  (I recommend it to everyone!)  There’s one thing that a lot of people don’t talk about when they list the things they’re grateful for in their lives – and that’s themselves.  I think there’s a stigma that the word ME somehow ties in with the adjective selfish.  I think it’s past time for us to stop thinking that way, especially when it comes to appreciate all of the things that we do – for others and for ourselves.  Too often, women put themselves second, third, fifth, last…  and ignore their own needs in favor of helping everyone else.  Well, no more!  In order to be at our best, we need to take care of ourselves and it’s time that we honor this process, so this Thanksgiving I’m going to send a little gratitude in my own direction.

So, here’s a little list of the things I’m grateful that I’ve done for me in this past year:

-For planning vacations, because I know I’m a better person when I travel and take a break from regular life

-For doing my best to limit chemicals in my life, so that I will be healthier.

-For continuing to work hard to take care of health, especially when it comes to my high risk for breast cancer.  It’s not easy.  It’s a lot of schlepping to doctors appointments and at times it’s scary.  But I’m worth the effort because I plan to be around for a long time.  I have a lot of things to do and places to go!

-For finding Michele, my hairdresser.  I hate messing with my hair – so much. And I’m more gray than you’ll ever know (or see, for that matter).  She’s awesome and I can always count on her to give me a great cut that will air-dry nicely – she makes me look good so I don’t have to be bothered.  (It’s about knowing what stresses me and heading it off at the pass – no pun intended!)

-For my hard work on this company.  Sometimes I’m in awe of all that we’ve done and I have to give myself credit for a lot of the behind-the-scenes sweat.

-For my perseverance.  A few years ago, my dream career fell apart due to the economy and I was able to pick myself up (and continue to do so) to find something new that I love.

-For my problem solving abilities.  It may not always look the prettiest or be the fastest or the cheapest way to do something, but I can usually figure out a way to get myself out of almost any mess.

-For knowing when to take a break.  Sometimes I have to stop to take care of me.

What are you thankful about you this year?