Last October 10, Canada just celebrated Thanksgiving Day! Indeed, Canadians have a lot to thank for. Unlike other countries, Canada has been spared from the wrath of economic recession. Newfoundland, with its oil and mineral wealth, has grown strong during this period. In fact, this province has maintained its “have” status despite the many challenges besetting other places.
Outside the economy, we should be grateful for what we have. Our families have remained strong despite traditional values constantly being challenged by new ideas. Our streets have remained safe and secure despite occasional petty crimes. Our schools have kept its quality education despite budgetary constraints. Our churches have upheld its spiritual role in promoting and spreading our faith.
Sure, we can complain about our unpredictable, confusing weather but we should enjoy it nonetheless. Down in Florida, it could get so hot that ice cream could turn to milk shake in an instant. Sure, we can grumble about our looks, our ever-expanding waistline, and never-ending weight gain. Of course, we can only blame our good appetite for those eventualities.
But truth be told, our world is awash with golden moments, unwavering faith, profound wisdom, and intense love.
Let us enjoy every moment, focus on the positive, and appreciate everything we have. Also, let us ignore negative influences, avoid distractions, solve problems, deal with conflicts, and face any forms of disrespect head on. Life is about facing difficult issues as honestly and as fearlessly as we can.
Remember that “Yes” and “No” are not just powerful words but also powerful and dominant force. Make sure that our Yes and No responses should lead to joy and contentment and never end in misery and resentment.
As Christiane Northrup said, “Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life.”
How true! Each time we feel thankful, we attract more of the things we appreciate. When we value what we possess, we will posses more of those we value. When we count our blessings daily, more blessings will pour in. When we appreciate every smile we encounter, we share more smiles and people willingly give their smiles in return.
What is the key that can unlock the door to happiness?
By now we know the answer — thankfulness!
Everyday, we should thank many important people in our lives:
• Our families who have helped us through the storms of life;
• Our parents who have given us their unconditional love despite our frailties;
• Our friends who have shared our grief and happiness despite our shortcomings;
• Our neighbors who have made our communities stronger;
• Our children who have given us immense joy and rare opportunity to share and to love;
• Our workplace and employers for giving us the means to experience life as it should be.
Of course, we should also thank our politicians, our cops and firefighters, our teachers and mentors, our volunteers, and everyone else who make an immense difference in our lives and who influence the way we live.
Everyday, we should be thankful for the only life we have on this earth even as we thank the Giver of life.