Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. ~ W. T. Purkiser

Thanksgiving is upon us. There is so much to be grateful for this year I thought I’d list a few things using the word Thanksgiving as my inspiration.

T – Trust

I’m thankful for a seminar where I learned that we can trust everyone to be exactly how they are and exactly how they are not. What that means to me is that if there is someone in your life who has demonstrated they are not trustworthy with their word or their actions, you can trust them to operate that way…until they choose to operate differently.

That knowledge gives me the freedom to eliminate expectations for how they “should” operate and just be with how they do operate. I can avoid setting myself up to be disappointed or hurt by counting on them to be some other way than how they are.

H – Health

I am thankful to be healthy.  I was born prematurely and started out with a propensity for getting sick. Measles, mumps, chicken pox – you name it, I got it. I’ve had a few minor operations along the way. But for the most part, I navigate the world with a body that works. Being healthy is a gift that keeps on giving.

A – Abundance.

I once lived in “Scare City” believing others had so much more than I did. Now I see that I am surrounded by an abundance of friends, ideas, love, support, and opportunities. That brings me an abundance of joy. What could be better than seeing abundance all around and dancing in gratitude for that?

N – Never

Never give up. Never let anyone stand between you and your visions, goals and dreams.  Never say never. Never believe your doubts. Never hold back. Sometimes I think of Scarlett O’Hara standing on that hill in Gone with the Wind when she vowed to never go hungry again. I am grateful for powerful words that move us to action.

K – Killer Ideas.

I am grateful for those moments when I get a Killer Idea. I believe Killer Ideas are given to us by whatever Higher Power we believe in.  Many people have given up paying attention to Killer Ideas and they coast. I don’t want to coast. I want to go out sliding into home base shouting “Whoo-Hoo! What a ride!” I may not manifest all of my Killer Ideas, but I love that I still have them.

S – Simplicity.

I am grateful to have eliminated a LOT of clutter that was weighing me down this year. I am grateful for the increase in clarity and focus that resulted from jettisoning clutter.

G – Growth

I spent many years making my life smaller. I am grateful to have turned that around. The future looks limitless, exciting, and vibrant. I am grateful to have my eyes turned forward toward future growth rather than backward to the past. It feels like there is more Future ahead of me than I will have time to fulfill. I am grateful to have it be that way rather than see no future whatsoever.

I – Intrepid

I am so grateful for intrepid clients, friends, and associates who inspire me with their courage and fearlessness as they go after their dreams and goals. I am beyond blessed to get to do what I do!

V – Vistas

A vista is a large number of things that may be possible in the future. As this year ends, it’s time to review how this year has gone and to paint new vistas for next year. I am grateful for the blessings of this amazing year and for all the wonderful possibilities next year has in store.

I – Invention

I am grateful that just when we think everything has been invented, something new and wonderful comes along. I can’t help but wonder what the next thing will be that changes the way we see our world.

N – Nothing

Nothing is not always appreciated for the gift it is. Nothing can be challenging at times, especially when we think there “should” be something there – like Money, Ideas, Time, Relationships, or a Job. Nothing creates an open space where Magic, Wonder, and Sweet Surprise can show up. Nothing is a place for possibility and miracles to occur that will delight and surprise.

G – Gratitude

It’s true what they say – that the more you put your attention on what you are thankful for, the more you notice how much there is to be thankful for. Escalating my attitude of gratitude has made this year one of the best ever. I am thankful for expanding the practice of gratitude in my life.

That’s my list. I invite you to say thanks as many times a day as you can…to loved ones, to life, to yourself for being alive, and to whatever Higher Power you believe in. And if you feel like it, I’d love to read what you are grateful for in the comments.

Wishing you and the people you love a Thanksgiving filled with limitless gratitude, love, and joy with friends and family.