Currently, the leaves are turning a beautiful amber in NJ, and the air is getting crisp. Starbucks is serving pumpkin spice lattes; people are picking apples and buying turkeys. It is a special time of the year that lets us know that Thanksgiving is coming.
Regardless of your feelings regarding the Pilgrims and the First Nations, it is a beautiful opportunity to pause and revel in gratitude for this incredible journey called LIFE and all the “churn” that we encounter along the way.
In founding our counseling practice, we anchored our philosophy in two core principles: empowerment and a solution-focused approach. These principles are not just therapeutic tools; they are pathways to a richer, more fulfilling life. Our commitment to these values reminds us that, despite life’s unpredictable tides, we possess the power to shape our destiny.
The Equality of Time and Character
Recently, I had a discussion with a friend regarding character and noted that no matter one’s life circumstances, we are all equal in two ways. Truly, every person shares two fundamental equalities:
- The Allocation of Time: Each of us has 24 hours a day, a universal constant that binds us. How we choose to fill these hours can dramatically shape our lives and the lives of those around us.
- The Expression of Character: Our daily actions and decisions paint a portrait of our character for the world to see. It’s a blueprint for our lives that we build that reflects our deepest values and convictions.
These equalities can serve as our North Star, guiding us toward a life of purpose and meaning. Those two powerful realizations can change anyone’s life. They remind us that our circumstances do not define us; rather, our response to these circumstances reveals our truest selves.
Gratitude: The Heart of Thanksgiving
James Allen once said, “Circumstances do not make the man; they reveal him.” I try to remember this when I am at that crossroads and asking what I should do. Inevitably, I will make mistakes, but how I correct those mistakes is where I should focus my attention. This idea echoes the spirit of Thanksgiving, urging us to look beyond our immediate surroundings and find gratitude in the essence of our existence.
Consider the enigma of human character, where the abundance of resources doesn’t necessarily equate to virtue, as seen in the downfall of individuals like Madoff. Conversely, individuals like Ziggy Soul, who faced unimaginable hardships from birth, rose to become beacons of hope and champions for the voiceless. Their stories remind us that true success and fulfillment are not measured by what we acquire but by what we give back to the world.
The Gift of Giving
This Thanksgiving, I invite you to embark on a journey of introspection. Reflect on the aspects of your life that fill you with gratitude. Is it the unwavering support of loved ones, the serene beauty of nature, or perhaps the simple joys that each day brings?
But don’t stop at mere reflection. Ask yourself, “What can I give?” It’s a powerful question that shifts our focus from receiving to giving. Whether it’s a kind word, a helping hand, or a creative endeavor, we all have unique gifts to share. It’s in giving that we find true joy and satisfaction.
Embracing Appreciation and Thanksgiving
As we gather around the Thanksgiving table, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends, let’s embrace the spirit of appreciation. Let’s celebrate life’s countless blessings, from the grandiose to the mundane. And let’s remember that gratitude is not confined to a single day but is a practice that grows throughout the year.
This Thanksgiving, let’s commit to living with a grateful heart, cherishing each moment, and spreading kindness wherever we go. We find the keys to a life of deep fulfillment and boundless joy in gratitude and appreciation.
Gratitude and The Holistic Store
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