Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. —Jane Howard
The father of my dear high-school friend passed on Friday. I called him Dad too. That's how close our friendship was, and has remained, all of these years.
His wake was a happening. Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of life-long friends filled the room to remember Dad, re-connect with one another, share stories and celebrate his life. The line seemed endless as folks waited to pay their respects.
It turns out that Dad was in the same high-school class as my real Dad, and they were life-long friends as well. It's one of those things I took for granted when I was young. How rare these kinds of friendships are. Many families have become more mobile and spread out, and this kind of family-like friendship is just not the norm these days. I'm a little slow on the draw, but I am so glad that I finally realize how fortunate I have been to be blessed throughout my life with these close ties.
Soon the turkey and dressing will be in the oven. The pies will be cooling. Our tables will be full of traditional Thanksgiving dishes and fall flowers. Our homes will be filled with yummy smells, loved ones, conversation, and our very own little community. We will take time to give thanks and appreciate the abundance that surrounds us. For at least one day we will remember that we have all we need and some to share.
May we cherish the spirit of Thanksgiving and extend it for the days, weeks, and months to come. May we experience fully the gift of grateful hearts as we return to our daily rounds.
We, at The Quality Coach!®, are grateful to you, our friends, clients, subscribers and family. We especially appreciate that you allow us to share our thoughts with you each Monday morning. We love that many of you share your thoughts with us on a regular basis. May this be your Best Thanksgiving Yet.
"An open home, an open heart, here grows a bountiful harvest." —Judy Hand
Your Coaching Challenge, Should You Choose to Accept It:
No sooner than we have celebrated the season of plenty, the season of non-stop shopping begins. If you happen to find yourself focusing on what you do not have….not enough time, not enough money, etc., take a deep breath. The fact that you can take a deep breath is a great place to begin being thankful again. What you do have may as well not exist, if you forget to enjoy it.
