Cyndi reminded me that gratitude is usually the topic for this week of the year. Again?
First, I am grateful to Cyndi for doing the hard work of publishing the weekly blog, for the visuals – sometimes poignant, sometimes funny — as well as being a co-editor with chief editor and comma/period expert — Luanne. People who keep me going, for their way of giving back to the world with no expectation of gain, other than contributing their spirit . . . .
And . . . just learned that my eleven-year-old grandson Michael will get this month’s award ‘gratitude’ at his school. Apparently, once a week, on his own, he goes up to his teacher after class . . . and says, “thank you for teaching us!”
Gratitude is . . .
Not just the turkey on my fork. It is also the dressing, the cranberries, the mashed potatoes with yummy gravy, and maybe even a nice veggie. It is the connection with loved ones and the turkey cook. The farmer and delivery system that brings it, magically, to my plate. The blend of good and bad capitalism and good and bad socialism. And my friends who can agree to disagree. I am grateful that, in spite of discord and dissonance, we are truly blessed to be in the top 1/10th of one percent of luckiness in the history of humankind.
Gratitude. How much can you say about this one, single word?
A lot.
Gratitude is a feeling, a time-out from the rush and noise and anger. It can be an attitude, even a habit or trait of personality. And it can be an active recognition of good things – especially knowing that many things come from outside ourselves. Self.
It has been said that selfishness, self-centeredness, is the root of our problems.[*] The root. Hmmm. Are we on to something here ?
How does this work? And what happens?
Apparently, it helps with mental health – happiness, de-stressing, and outlook. And the physical – it can strengthen the immune system and improve sleep! Wow! It can anchor better relationships, connection, openness, and genuineness with others.
Naah! Who needs all that happiness and serenity stuff? Lets get back to my stuck, crabby self . . .
On the other hand, there is a plan. A way to get that good stuff. And even bring good stuff to those around us.
But this takes action. Too much to try? Take action? Grrr!
They say there is a path, but only for those who want good stuff.
- Write. Thoughts are good. Writing involves an action, motor function, visual, and perhaps even sharing with another what you learned about yourself and about them.
- Express. Tell people. Tell your partner thank you. For doing the things they do. For overlooking your foibles and crappy stuff. Just for being who they are.
- Do. Pay it forward when you can’t pay it back. Pay it forward. Help someone. Do an ethical job. Be fair. Question stupid biases. Just love someone who needs it.
“An honest regret for harms done, a genuine gratitude for blessings received, and a willingness to try for better things tomorrow will be the permanent assets we shall seek.”*
[*] Taken from Alcoholics Anonymous, and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc, 1989.
November 24, 2025 @ 12:35 pm
And to you, George . . thank you for publishing this. Sometimes we need a reminder to be grateful for what we have, to acknowledge those who provide for and support us, and to have compassion for those who are less well off. Thank you for your dedication to this community.
November 26, 2025 @ 8:58 am
I agree with Mike S, thanks from all of us for your tireless dedication to help bring appraisal into the professional level.