Giving Thanks

Since this week is Thanksgiving, I thought it fitting to focus todays post on not only being thankful for what we have, but taking the time to thank others for what they gave us this year. 

The thanks could be in any form we want – a phone call, e-mail, card or letter.  The vehicle does not matter, the acknowledgement is what does matter.  What can we thank others for?   For being there when we needed them, for sharing some bit if information that was helpful, for thinking of us, for lending a hand, an ear or a boost.   That is just scratching the surface. 

Who are you thankful for?

How will you thank them?

The Right Shoes

I have been wearing the same gym shoes for 2 years now.  Yes I know, that is way too long but time just flew by.

Wondering why my feet were hurting made me realize just how long it had been with these same shoes, so I asked fellow class members at the gym what kind of shoes they wore.  Both said cross trainers of one brand or another.  I wondered whether that’s what I was wearing and learned that no, I had been wearing running shoes this whole time!  The wrong shoes for the workout classes I have been taking 4 times a week! 

No wonder my feet were hurting!  I went shopping that same night and thanks to a knowledgable salesperson and my finally asking, I learned the difference.  What a differerence the right shoes make in my workouts!

This lead me to wonder how often we are “wearing the wrong shoes” in different areas of our life and what the “right shoes” could be.   In your career the right shoes could be the environmental conditions in which you thrive such as having a manager whose style meshes with yours or using your strengths and talents to the best of their ability.  The right shoes in your personal life might be aligning your life with your values or getting involved with a cause you belive in.

I would love to hear some examples of your right shoes!

 

Best Fit Life

I recently spent a wonderful weekend visiting my brother and his family in Chicago.  It is such a beautiful city – great architecture, very walkable, full of activity and friendly people.  I can see why they love living there as it fits their personalities, interests, wants and many of their needs.

For all its virtues, Chicago is not a good fit for me and my husband.  The Triangle in NC, where I am grateful to make my home, is!  Every day as I drive around town I gaze at my surroundings and am so appreciative of where I am.

It is no accident. For as many of you know, my husband and I spent many hours contemplating where in the country we wanted to live, what type of community we wanted to live in and much more.  We went exploring and found it right here!

There is something about seeing and experiencing a different place – a contrast – that brings out the intensity of what I already have and just how much it means to me – how much it fits me!

When have you experienced such a contrast that made you realize what you have and where you are is your best fit?