Give thanks and be grateful ...

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States

As we end the Thanksgiving weekend, one which I hope was enjoyable for you. It is important to look back and think for moment.

Life is hectic. The demands of one’s job, life and all that revolves around us can be a whirlwind at times. And at times, very nerve wracking and unsettling.

That is why, at this time of the year, one just needs to stop dead in your tracks – pause, reflect, give thanks and be grateful for what you have and who you know. It is important, and gives a new and fresh perspective.

Perhaps it is the boss you have that you like – sometimes and not others. The special group of co-workers you spend your day with. Your friends and business associates. Great clients. The folks who work in your favorite stores. Your doctor and the medical professionals who work to keep you healthy. The list can go one.

A few ideas:

• Remember that mentor – the person you go to for advice and feedback with a phone call or personal visit just to say thanks.

• Think about the special person who helped you solve a problem at work or at home. Maybe it was advice they gave; maybe an action of some type. It happened in the past – bring it to the present by acknowledging and showing your gratitude.

• Give back to your network of contacts – reach out, say thanks and ask how you can help them. In Harvey Mackay’s book, Dig Your Well Before You Are Thirsty (http://store.harveymackay.com/product_p/48543-3.htm), a highly recommended book on networking, he makes a very strong point: don’t just take from your network of contacts, always see how you can help them and then do so.

• In the hectic world of healthcare, where there never seems to be a break, think about those who help you give care to a patient or attend to a families need. The ones that perhaps are not recognized, or work in the shadows so to speak – but are still ever so important. Perhaps it is the contact who is helping you along in your healthcare career.

Giving thanks and showing your gratitude will bring rewards back to you as well. You will be remembered and thought of when a new opportunity opens up for a job or in business, community or socially. And – you will feel good too.

That feel good feeling is truly motivating and will take you to new heights.

And thank you for reading this. - Dan