Giving T-H-A-N-K-S This Year
Each year at Thanksgiving I sit down and think about what I’m truly thankful for. I know it sounds corny or hokey, but at my core I’m kinda corny and hokey. And to help (because the blanket question, “What are you thankful for?” can be overwhelming), I always try to do this utilizing T-H-A-N-K-S as a helpful acronym. Try this with you and your family this year before gathering around the Thanksgiving table.
T-I’m thankful for TIME. The tragedy with WBTV and Chip Tayag and Jason Myers yesterday once again illustrates an altruism in life: none of us is promised tomorrow. The fact that you woke up this morning and are able to read this. The fact that you love someone and are loved by someone. The fact that you have the ability to make this day better for you and others than yesterday. These are gifts. Don’t squander your time in life. For all of us, it is fleeting.
H-I’m thankful for HEROES. Real heroes. Those heroes that serve around the world to keep evil from my family and yours. Those heroes that every day put on a uniform and ride a patrol car putting him/herself on the line for me. Those heroes in the red trucks and literally run into the fires of hell to save people and property. Those heroes that teach our children, heal our sick, and put all selfish pursuits aside to help their neighbors in times of crises like hurricanes and floods. And countless others that I feel ashamed I’m not mentioning here, but I have the utmost respect and admiration for.
A-I’m thankful I’m ALLIES. No, nothing political or military here. I’m speaking of all the friends and associates that make my life whole. You can never have enough people “on your side.” From my family to the people I work with, to some of the closest friends I’ve had in my life, in this respect, I am a blessed man indeed. Perhaps more than ever, I am thankful for “those doing life with me.”
N-I’m thankful for a NEW YEAR. 2022 was a mixed bag. In many ways it was one of the worst I’ve had-especially at the start. I was involved in an automobile accident in January that totaled my truck (luckily, no one was hurt, and I was not at fault). Then, I endured something that I never thought would affect me to the extent it has. “Frisky” was the precocious cockapoo that was more than just the family pet for 16 years. When he passed away last winter, it was a devastating loss that none of us in our family have recovered from. However, the second part of the year was much better. We took trips to Jamaica and Turks & Caicos for “work” that showed us beauty in this world that we were unaware of. And Debbie and I have agreed to terms with Country 1037 to continue to do what we do with you for the next 5 years. It is the honor and thrill of our career to be here with you each weekday afternoon. We really mean that. So, the fact that we get to see what 2023 has in store for us-together (with you)-is the continuation of a dream for us.
K-I’m thankful for KINDNESS. Just when I think I’ve lost all faith and hope in humanity, I either am the recipient of, or witness firsthand, the generosity of others. One of my goals for the new year is to do more “little things” for people that they don’t expect. Try it for yourself. I 100% guarantee you’ll feel so good each time you do. In fact, I’ll wager you feel better for being on the giving end than you ever will being a recipient.
S-I’m thankful for SECOND CHANCES. You don’t get too many “mulligans” in life, so when one comes along, I suggest you take it. Back in the spring, we were approached with an opportunity to get involved, professionally and personally, with PHD Weight Loss. When I was my son’s age (post-sophomore year in college), I nearly lost my father to massive heart attack. Thankfully, he pulled through (and I still have Pop in my life). However, I didn’t want to put my boy through what I went through. I’ve gained and lost significant weight several times as an adult, but felt like this might be my last, best, chance to regain control of my physical life. I’m proud to say I lost 70 pounds in six months and thus far, have been able to easily maintain it. I’m never going back. My wife is almost to her goal now and when it’s all said and done, we will have lost nearly 150 pounds together. However, the most gratifying aspect of this has been all the people that come up to us with their stories of how our journey kickstarted them into starting theirs. In this life, you want to feel like you made a difference for someone else. Our partnership with PHD continues to allow us this opportunity. It’s never too late to take charge of your life and get back to being the best you possible.
