23 Nov Thanks. Giving.

We head into Thanksgiving week here in the US tomorrow. College kids are heading home with their duffel bags and schoolbooks. Families are hitting the road to meet other family. Friends are gathering with friends. Millions of turkeys sacrificed to the special day. The holiday season officially kicked off. Whatever you do this Thursday, I hope you will focus on both aspects of the often underappreciated compound word Thanksgiving.

First, of course, give thanks. Every human faces challenges and strife at times. But we all hopefully can point to wonderful and positive things in our lives. People who matter. A job or career that is appreciated. Family, whether immediate, extended or acquired. I have found that those who focus on negativity tend to find more of it.

And giving. In both my life and business I have worked hard to give back to others. Whether with time or financially, I have tried to do what I am able. Whether mentoring, helping a friend in trouble, contributing to a worthwhile charity, or just giving up a seat in the subway, it’s the little things that matter. And as too many pithy posters on Instagram intone, your true test as a giver is what you do when no one will find out.

This week I hope we will all focus on both giving thanks and being givers to provide some meaning to our existence on this tiny orb.