The Coach’s Corner Newsletter #79
Thanksgiving 2024 – a year filled with moments of sadness and joy.
To make it through the challenges and the successes, I find that gratitude is an essential response. Even when it doesn’t make sense.
THIS WEEK’S INSIGHT
Finding ways to be thankful – look up, in and around
One of my favorite quotes is from my dear friend, Jasna Spaic. Years ago she pointedly shared, “What other way is there to look, but up?”
The power of her words came in juxtaposition to my wide-eyed surprise as I viewed the bombed out remnants of her ‘safe room,’ in her Sarajevo apartment in 1996 during the war in Bosnia.
The first way I discover thankfulness is to follow Jasna’ lead, to look up:
To God and all of creation. For life and the ability to experience beauty. This area is out of my control.
As I lean into gratitude outside of me, I have the opportunity to reflect inward:
For the freedom I have in life to make choices. Choices filled with twists and turns. This area turns out to be mostly in my control.
The flow of what is in and out of my control draws me to those whose presence in my life shapes me, and for whom I am grateful:
If you’re someone who disagrees with me, I am learning what it means to grow as you become my teacher. If you support me, I feel your encouragement every step of the way.
In all of these areas, I am thankful
My takeaway
May this Thanksgiving offer you the opportunity to acknowledge what brings you to this place, appreciate your unique strengths and be grateful for those folks who teach and inspire you.
What if today, we were just grateful for everything?
Charlie Brown
