“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” – Zig Ziglar
Back in the mid 2000’s, I was at one of our company meetings in Milwaukee when I heard one of the main speakers talk about something he called a “Praise Report”. He actually included an example of his in the handouts! This was vulnerability before Brene Brown started talking about it! The idea of documenting the good things which happened to him personally and professionally seemed a little weird at first, but the more I thought about it, I thought I might give it a try. I’m not sure what exactly resonated with me at the time, but as soon as I returned home, I opened up my Microsoft Word and started my very own Praise Report.
I’m happy to share this year’s version is already 27 pages long, and we still have 40 days to go in 2020. Some people might shiver at the idea there is still that much time left this year, but as we approach Thanksgiving day this week, my heart, my mind, my soul and my spirit are more thankful than ever for all I have in my life. I would definitely credit the discipline of keeping this Praise Report through the years, and also having lost so many important people in my life. Each day my feet hit the floor and I rise out of bed is a gift. I usually wait until Thanksgiving morning to write something like this, but I’m going to get ahead of it a little this year:
*I am thankful for my Faith in God, for his son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit which lives within me. I’ve heard and shared many times this year – “Feed your Faith and not your fear,” and this has been an amazing promise and guiding light in 2020.
*I am thankful for my Family, especially my wife Jennifer (next month we will celebrate 25 years of marriage), and my daughters Audrey, 19, and Josie, 17. Even though our dear, sweet dog Teddy passed away right after Labor Day at only 4 years young, our family has found greater purpose through our pain. We are thankful we had those 4 amazing years with him and he blessed us with his presence.
*I am thankful for Friends – many of whom I have enjoyed God’s creation and the great game of golf with this year. I am constantly amazed at what a great group of friends I have and it is an honor and privilege to be a friend with so many amazing people.
*I am thankful for Fitness being a huge part of my life and the opportunity to be active in so many ways. I’m thankful for playing hockey, tennis and golf this week, to stretch out on my living room floor every morning, and to have an amazing Health Success Team (see earlier blog for details!) supporting me.
*Lastly, I am thankful for Finance, and the fact that comes last on the list, for many reasons. Our health is our wealth. Life is not all about money. It is about relationships and serving as many people as possible.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, your family and your friends. If you would like to discuss your 5 F’s for 2021, please reach out to me and let’s have a conversation. I’d love to help. #Live Proactively