Thanks: How to recognize the good
As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s important for us men to rekindle that little fire of thankfulness.
Sometimes, it’s easy for anyone to get fixated on the negative.
A man once remarked that the Grand Canyon was just a big hole in the ground – and while his statement was true – it reflects the “negative space” in the canyon’s void. But what makes the Grand Canyon different than a “hole in the ground” are the soaring canyon walls.
In our lives and in our relationships, we need to cultivate the habit of looking for the good. I think some people may be more naturally disposed to see the negative – so for those, this task may be harder.
As a Christian, I’ve found that saying prayers of thankfulness often remind me of the positive things around me, and they cause me to take the time to reflect on the good, even in tough circumstances. Regardless of your religion or belief system, you may find a thankful ritual helpful.
Good Ole’ Bing Crosby gets it –
Take some time at the beginning and end of your day to make a list of things you are thankful for.
Write them down, speak them out loud, or tell a friend.
That very act of taking inventory is like putting a fugitive’s pillow in front of a bloodhound. Now your mind has “the scent” of the good things in your life, and will more likely recognize them in the moment.
