ACTS OF KINDNESS: Thanks 'Giving'

By Eva Gregory, CPCC

You know, our forefathers actually had the right idea. Giving thanks is such a wonderful, meaningful, thoughtful thing to do. But, in our everyday lives saying thanks has become commonplace. In fact, most of us do it out of habit instead of from the place of feeling real thanks. Saying "thanks or thank you" is just the automatic response that has been drilled into us as a form of politeness. But it is and should be so much more than that. So take a second to get out of the 'habit' of giving thanks and get into the moment.

How many times do you say "thank you" each day? Do you know? I challenge you to keep a running tally on one of your typical days. I believe that you will be amazed at a couple of things. Firstly, how often you utter those words, and secondly, how often they are used in a trivial manner. Yes, it is important to say thank you when someone holds a door for you, or waits on you, but have you said thank you to your mother for all of the boo boo's she kissed, or to your spouse or child for being the bright light that he or she is at the end of an incredibly long day, etc.? Hence, the difference between saying thanks and giving thanks. Give the gift of a heartfelt, honest thank you.

While Portia was away at college she spent a lot of time wondering what her family was doing, in particular her Grandmother. They had a great relationship and Portia often thought that they were truly "soul sisters" down to almost every detail. When Portia came home for holiday break she spent as much time as possible with her Grandmother and they enjoyed every minute. When it came time to return to school Portia had an epiphany. She needed to put into words how much her Grandmother meant to her, and convey to her the important role that she played in her life. She refused to go back to school until this task had been completed. The night before she left she mailed a lengthy letter to her Grandmother. Two days after she returned to campus she received a tearful call from her Grandmother. Her Grandmother was speechless. She had been so moved when she read Portia's words. She had known how Portia felt about her, because she too had felt their bond, but it brought their relationship to a much deeper level when Portia took the time to put her feelings down in words.

The saying 'It takes a village to raise a child' is so true. Can you name all of the people responsible for you being exactly where you are today? All of the teachers, fellow students, boy/girlfriends, guidance counselors, doctors, etc.? If you can I'd be quite impressed. It took all of them and all of the circumstances that have occurred in your life to date, to get you to this point. Shouldn't you let them know of the impact that they've had on your life? If words are not your forte, what about a thoughtful gift and a quick note? In addition to, or even if can't bring yourself to thank someone, please don't forget to thank the universe. It's a sure-fire way to amp up your vibrations so that you remain in the thankful state. Allowing yourself to be thankful means that you're ready and can be receptive to all that the universe is sending your way.

So as Thanksgiving approaches, take some time to treasure all that is present in your life. You'll find that this exercise will make your life richer, and those around you happier. But why limit this practice to just this one time of year. I challenge each of you to make a commitment to give thanks daily. Make a pact/promise with yourself each Thanksgiving to make it a part of everyday life. Not the superficial 'thanks', but the more thoughtful and meaningful 'I want to thank you for..' and actually sharing your thoughts and feelings. Giving thanks is more than mere lip service, it is a gift for yourself and others. It is the gift that truly keeps on giving.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!