Cultivating an attitude of gratitude

Today I am thankful for all the people whose paths have crossed mine.  Whether classmate, coworker, neighbor, mentor, family, friend...they have all impacted me in some way and contributed to who I am at this moment.  All of these people have been my role models.  I have watched and seen who I want to be, who I don't.  I am thankful for the lessons they have taught me, though some may have been painful...diversity, acceptance, the value in not judging a book by it's cover.  I am so grateful to those that have taught me that everyone has a story, a truth....and something worth sharing.

In November, it is my practice to post as my status each day, something that I am thankful for.  Today I posted the paragraph above.  I have always believed in giving thanks  for my blessings.  I have never hesitated to tell people that I care for them.  Life is short, and I have learned that if you don't grab your opportunities to show love now....they may not present themselves later.  In the beginning of the month, my daughter Cara shared a link on facebook that I just loved....and it got me thinking about being thankful....and thanking people.

Here is the link...I strongly urge you to pause here....and go spend the next 7 minutes or so watching it...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHv6vTKD6lg

So I started thinking about how important the attitude of gratitude is.  I started thinking about all the wonderful people I am so fortunate to have in my life.  This November, in addition to writing something that I am thankful for on my facebook status and further talking about it here, I have decided to write a thank you letter each day to someone in my life.  I don't have it planned out.  I haven't thought about this much in advance...other than I am going to do it...that it is important to do it.   I am so grateful for so many people who have and do make a difference in my life.  Maybe they know how I feel, how grateful I am for their presence on the earth...but maybe they don't.  I think it's important to let them know.  30 days, 30 letters, 30 amazing people.   There are so many more amazing people in my life...but I will randomly write to whoever comes to mind.

I challenge you to all join me! It doesn't have to be a great literary work...maybe it will just be a short note, an email or facebook message, or maybe you will write it out the old fashioned way and send it snail mail.  The important thing is that you take a moment of each day to thank someone for all they have been to you.  Maybe it is a family member, that we tend to take for granted, an old friend that you have always been able to count on, a new friend, a neighbor, a coworker....maybe there is someone whom you admire and who has inspired you.....the possibilities are endless!!  Don't know how to start it?  Just tell them I twisted your arm.  Won't you join me??  I would love to know that I have some company in this little endeavor of mine...so if you want to leave me a message or a comment telling me you are  joining me, that would be great....but you don't have to.  You can do it quietly....but I urge you to take some time out of each day and let someone know that you just couldn't imagine this life without them in it.

" We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives."

~ John F. Kennedy