Christmas comes hard on the heels of Thanksgiving stateside and I am part of a huge tribe of international coaches, so my Facebook gets flooded once a year with an outpouring of thoughtful gratitudes. It strikes me as a lovely practice to have a whole day dedicated to giving collective thanks. It's so easy for us to get absorbed in our first world problems (the traffic was bad; we left our iPhone charger behind) and lose perspective how how very, very lucky we are to live such an abundant life in such an incredible country.
For some they feel lucky to have survived all that 2014 has thrown their way. For others it's been a stellar year of accomplishment and achievement. Whether you have had a horror show you want to put behind you, or a year so good you want an encore - this is a great time to give thanks.
Showing appreciation, not just in word but in deed, creates a subtle perspective shift amidst the hustle and bustle of the Christmas logistics hustle. Taking five minutes out from the frenzy that characterises this time of year to look at how 2014 has treated you, and who and what you would like to thank is a great five minute mood booster. Here are a few thought starters:
• What are the three things best things you want to give thanks for in your personal life in 2014?
• What are the 3 best things you want to appreciate that have happened in your professional life in 2014?