In the U.S., Thanksgiving is just two days away.
This year, I’ll be staying in Chicago. Two of my favorite couples have invited me to their family dinners. (I have plans for a 4pm dinner and a 7pm dinner. I hope I have room for second dessert!)
2017 has been a very challenging year for me personally and for a lot of people I know.
In the larger world, there’s been divided politics, natural disasters, and unimaginable violence.
On an individual level, relationships have ended; loved ones have passed away; houses have burned down.
It’s been a really hard year for a lot of folks.
How can we be thankful when we’re heartbroken or angry?
When I start working with new clients, we do a simple exercise.
I ask them to take two fingers and stab themselves in their ribs as hard as they can without causing physical injury. Then, I ask them to talk about something great that happened this week.
It’s an exercise we all giggle at – but it makes an important point.
It’s hard to focus on what’s great when we’re hurting.
Sometimes, when one thing is bringing us down, it can be hard to see anything else.
Imagine this ~ You have a spotlight.
We all have difficulties in our lives (some days more than others) – AND we all have good in our lives.
There’s always some good.
You can choose to shine your spotlight only on the hardship.
Or you can swivel it and focus on some of the good in your life.
Swivel your spotlight.
What do you see?
What are you thankful for?
Please, comment below.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
I’m grateful for you.
Sheila Devi is a career transition coach.
She helps smart, talented people who are frustrated at work because they feel like there’s something more out there for them. She helps them discover their best next moves ~ so they can enjoy work that uses their strengths, lights them up, and sets them up for an overall life they love.
Interested in coaching with Sheila? Email to set up a complimentary call.
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I actually think it is easier to be thankful for small special things when things are more difficult. I appreciate a new friend, coffee or lunch with someone new, a good doctor’s appointment. Loss is difficult and we all recover at different speeds and in unique ways. Happy thanksgiving Sheila! I am thankful for our new friendship.