Thankful
My intent this month was to write to you about a new program we are rolling out, but I think today’s topic is more important. My note for this month is on being thankful. Many of you are familiar with The Rolling Stones and their lead singer Mick Jagger. The Rolling Stones have a famous song, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” The chorus is:
“You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes, well, you might find
You get what you need”
The lyrics have many interpretations. My thinking is that we cannot always get what we want, but we can get what we need. The meaning to me – is that let's talk about what we have and are thankful for, not what we want but, in many cases, don’t need. I usually spend several days writing this note. In retrospect, after starting this topic, I was surprised at the number of times I would think of additional areas of gratitude, usually before I fell asleep at night or right after I would wake up in the morning.
These are some of the areas that mean something to me:
I am healthy | Jeanne is an incredible wife who loves me |
I have an amazing daughter who has an amazing puppy | I am making a positive difference for my family for my team, for the people I work with, and for their families |
I get to talk with my dad who is 92 | I get to talk with my mother-in-law on a regular basis (no age given) |
I have a vehicle that works | I have a home I enjoy living in |
I get to garden in the spring, play golf in the summer, rake leaves in the fall, and shovel in the winter | I get to work with some of the brightest, most caring people I know |
I am constantly amazed by the goodness people demonstrate | I am allowed to help new financial services professionals become great financial services professionals within our industry |
I was fortunate to golf with my friends this summer | Jeanne and I traveled this fall |
I have become more accepting of myself | I’ve discovered I enjoy working in a hybrid environment, home and office |
I am amazed at how convenient and effective virtual meeting can be | I have people in my life who care about me |
My sister and brothers are all doing well | I am allowed daily to hear the life stories of incredible individuals, families, and businesses |
So here is the deal. My list isn't earth-shattering. Many of you might believe it is boring. What I have found through life is it is the little things that make the difference, that allow us to be happy. It is what we have, not what we want. We should celebrate every month as a month of Thanksgiving.
Your assignment until next month, make your list of what you give thanks for and are grateful for. It may be five things or fifty, each of us is unique. No matter how long or short your list, what it will do will tip the scale we all have in our head away from thinking “Nothing is right in my life,” to, “I am a lucky person.” A different musical artist, Frank Sinatra sang:
“I've got the world on a string, sittin' on a rainbow
Got the string around my finger
What a world, what a life”
Yes, you do, open your eyes and your mind and you will see it is right there. As always, wishing you only the best life can offer.
Jeff
