November, 2004

Thank you and thank you again!

You may recall that last month, we finished up the alphabet with “Z Is for Zoom!”. This month, before I start over on the alphabet, I want to take a moment for reflection. You know how fond I am of reflection — see that last article!

Because November is the month in which Americans and Canadians celebrate that grateful and sometimes over-eating holiday, Thanksgiving, I want to talk about gratitude.

I have so much for which to be grateful in my life and I want to share some of that with you. I am sure you can also make a long list, so come on along and enjoy the ride!

Health

For starters, let’s talk about health. Mine is very good, but I did have a heart attack several years ago. Something like that can really make a person appreciate what he has! I have a friend whose husband died young and left her a young widow with two children. She is the first person to say, “Life is too short to be miserable! Grab all the happiness you can!”

I definitely agree! What about you? Is your health good? Be grateful for it and guard it!

Is your health not-so-good? Maybe you have chronic illness or pain, maybe you are recovering from sickness, maybe you have a broken bone, or maybe you get migraines. What part of your health is good? Are you free of arthritis, able to see, comfortable as long as you are sitting, young, or sharp-minded? Focus on the best and healthiest parts and get them to expand! Exercise the best way you can and keep your mind bright!

Life

And what of other areas of your life? How’s your wallet? Your home? Your relationships? For me, it sometimes seems that there simply couldn’t be enough money to cover the bills, the business expenses, the children's living and school expenses — yes, plural, I have four children — and even the groceries. Yet we have always managed. We have a roof over our heads and enough to eat and clothes to wear. And we are very grateful for that!

Relationships

As for relationships, well, I am very content — and more than content — with mine. My wife and I have been married almost 30 years (we just celebrated the 30th anniversary of our first meeting, in fact) and have raised those four children together with love. Our youngest is 15, and we feel like we're almost done. Very happy/sad. We are close to our children, our families, and, most importantly, each other. Am I grateful for all of that? You bet! Of course, it isn’t always that easy. If you have experienced or even created a rift between you and someone you love, take the first step and pick up the phone. You will be grateful that you did!

I also have great relationships with my business partners and associates. We are just one big happy family! How do we do that? Well, my partners and I feel that our business is a relationship business. I never look at any situation as if it is “only business.” People are involved in my business and it’s the people that I consider important. How's your attitude? Say hello to more people at work, have lunch or a coffee break with someone you don’t know…and smile! That is so often the best way to brighten someone else’s day — and especially your own!

One of the most wonderful rewards I could receive came to me the other day. A woman I hardly know looked over at me and said "you have the most warm and welcoming smile, Steven!" Happysigh.

Thank you, again

And now, I have to tell you how very grateful I am for you! All of my friends out there in cyberspace, who faithfully read and respond to my articles, who share their stories with me, who give me praise (whether I deserve it or not!), and who keep me inspired every day!

Thank you so much for being a part of my life and for allowing me to be a part of yours!

Have a healthy and happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you health, wealth, and happiness,

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Steven works with entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals who want to clarify their communications and concepts so that they can dramatically increase their business profitability.

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