My cup runneth over.
As I reflect on all that I have to be thankful for, I am amazed.
It is also amazing how easily we tend to forget all that we are thankful for.
I'm not saying it is easy to keep an attitude of thanksgiving all year. There are many days I quickly complain about a problem and forget about the many blessings I have been given.
So how can you maintain an attitude of thanksgiving throughout the year?
It is easier for some. By nature I am a positive, happy person. I attribute that to a few awesome people in my life. On the occasion that I am getting too caught up in "life" as I know it, I think of my grandpa and remember to be thankful.
My "Pa" grew up extremely poor in the foothills of Kentucky. He fought in the Korean War, worked his way up to manager of a textile plant, chief of his local fire department, survived cancer and is now battling the blinding effects of macular degeneration all while keeping his same calm, positive, uplifting attitude. To say that I admire him is a huge understatement. I absolutely adore him and the many lessons I have learned from his life and attitude.
One of the greatest things my Pa did was raise my Dad to be just like him. On one occasion during my teenage years I was complaining about having to go to work. Dad was quick to remind me that I "get to go to work" and that was a blessing many people do not have. He shared that he heard that same statement from my Pa when he was younger and complaining about working on a Saturday.
If you're not fortunate enough to have been influenced by someone like my Dad or Pa, gaining an "attitude of gratitude" is still possible.
Write it down.
Take a moment to write a thank you note to someone. Whether it is personal or professional, expressing gratitude on paper shows that you are willing to put in the extra effort to make your appreciation meaningful.
You can also start a "Thank You Journal." Write down one or two small things you are thankful for at the end of each day. Try to think past the typical "health, family, house" items and list small things that you may have overlooked that day - a bird chirping in the middle of winter, a kind smile from a stranger.
Taking the time to write down your gratefulness forces you to reflect on what you are thankful for - an action that will help light the spirit of thanksgiving year round.
Share.
We begin every faculty meeting with "Celebrations." This is a time to share something positive from the day with our colleagues. Our jobs are intense and sometimes we get so wrapped up in fixing problems that we forget to celebrate our victories - small or large.
I also share a list of "Great Things This Week" in our weekly Friday Focus Memo. Straight out of Todd Whitaker's book Motivating and Inspiring Teachers, calling out teachers for doing a great job is a powerful motivator for continued success. It is also an opportunity to focus on the many good things happening in my school which I sometimes overlook.
Fake it.
Not everyday is awesome. An educator's job is hard and at times can be discouraging. During the trying times it is important to still be thankful for the good things that surround you. While appreciation needs to be genuine, you may have to force yourself to take the time necessary to show it. The funny thing is, once you remember what you have to be thankful for, those hard times don't seem as hard.
As I reflect on all that I have to be thankful for, I am amazed.
It is also amazing how easily we tend to forget all that we are thankful for.
I'm not saying it is easy to keep an attitude of thanksgiving all year. There are many days I quickly complain about a problem and forget about the many blessings I have been given.
So how can you maintain an attitude of thanksgiving throughout the year?
It is easier for some. By nature I am a positive, happy person. I attribute that to a few awesome people in my life. On the occasion that I am getting too caught up in "life" as I know it, I think of my grandpa and remember to be thankful.
My "Pa" grew up extremely poor in the foothills of Kentucky. He fought in the Korean War, worked his way up to manager of a textile plant, chief of his local fire department, survived cancer and is now battling the blinding effects of macular degeneration all while keeping his same calm, positive, uplifting attitude. To say that I admire him is a huge understatement. I absolutely adore him and the many lessons I have learned from his life and attitude.
One of the greatest things my Pa did was raise my Dad to be just like him. On one occasion during my teenage years I was complaining about having to go to work. Dad was quick to remind me that I "get to go to work" and that was a blessing many people do not have. He shared that he heard that same statement from my Pa when he was younger and complaining about working on a Saturday.
If you're not fortunate enough to have been influenced by someone like my Dad or Pa, gaining an "attitude of gratitude" is still possible.
Write it down.
Take a moment to write a thank you note to someone. Whether it is personal or professional, expressing gratitude on paper shows that you are willing to put in the extra effort to make your appreciation meaningful.
You can also start a "Thank You Journal." Write down one or two small things you are thankful for at the end of each day. Try to think past the typical "health, family, house" items and list small things that you may have overlooked that day - a bird chirping in the middle of winter, a kind smile from a stranger.
Taking the time to write down your gratefulness forces you to reflect on what you are thankful for - an action that will help light the spirit of thanksgiving year round.
Share.
We begin every faculty meeting with "Celebrations." This is a time to share something positive from the day with our colleagues. Our jobs are intense and sometimes we get so wrapped up in fixing problems that we forget to celebrate our victories - small or large.
I also share a list of "Great Things This Week" in our weekly Friday Focus Memo. Straight out of Todd Whitaker's book Motivating and Inspiring Teachers, calling out teachers for doing a great job is a powerful motivator for continued success. It is also an opportunity to focus on the many good things happening in my school which I sometimes overlook.
Fake it.
Not everyday is awesome. An educator's job is hard and at times can be discouraging. During the trying times it is important to still be thankful for the good things that surround you. While appreciation needs to be genuine, you may have to force yourself to take the time necessary to show it. The funny thing is, once you remember what you have to be thankful for, those hard times don't seem as hard.
As you gather around your table to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with your families, make a commitment to spreading an "attitude of gratitude" year round.
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