Gratitude

Today’s annual Thanksgiving celebration prompted me to write down all the things I’m grateful for. Life is precious, but one can easily lose perspective and sweat the small stuff. The following four examples are part of a long list I wrote down this Thanksgiving:

This internet connection: It’s not the fastest connection, but I’m able to access WordPress and post this piece. Only 42% (source: Internet World Stats as of June 2014) of the world’s population has access to the Internet. Then there is access to utilities we all take for granted such as water, sanitation and electricity. It’s sobering how many people don’t have access to basic utilities.

Health is wealth: I’m above average in terms of health thanks to lifestyle choices, genes and a good dose of luck. I crossed the finish line of a 32 kilometre road running race last Sunday – my aching muscles a reminder that I’m happy to be alive and well. Things can change quickly so being healthy and living in the present is a real blessing.

I married my best friend: My relationship with my beautiful wife is the best thing that ever happened to me. She is a rock star and my best friend. I don’t know what I did right in a previous life, but I married the easiest going and most lovely lady. We still like each other after almost nine years of dating and marriage. Long may this continue!

I love my job: I get to work with smart, fun and dedicated people every day. The opportunity to learn from others is profound. I learn something new every day. I also get immense satisfaction seeing team members thrive in an open and collaborative culture. I’ve found a family in WE Communications. It’s a communications agency that is going places.

I’ve decided not to wait until next November to write-up a list of everything I’m thankful for. It should be a virtual list I reflect on constantly to provide much needed perspective throughout the year.