A Graceful Thanksgiving

Today millions of Americans will gather around an abundant table with their loved ones and offer up a prayer of thanksgiving.  We often refer to this as saying Grace.

But in a world filled with imperfect human beings, there are other forms of grace I'd like to take a closer look at this week.

If you look in Webster's Dictionary, the word "grace" has many definitions.  

1. The exercise of love, kindness, mercy, favor; disposition to benefit or serve another; favor bestowed or privilege conferred.

Veteran's Day: Honoring Heroes from General Colin Powell to Homeless Veterans

Today, America honors all those who have fought for our Country.  Last week, I had the honor of meeting several men who fought for our country, and who have come back wounded....not in their bodies, but in their spirits.  I was honored to listen to their stories, to look them in the eyes, to shake their hand, to thank them personally.  These men were homeless, and I owe my freedom to their service.

Stand By Me from Playing For Change

In the end of the day, it's the thread that connects all humanity together that we're all fighting for.  We are all connected, and all need someone to stand by us, to cheer us on, to lift us up when we are down.  In business, in relationships, in life.  This video Song Around the World (Playing for Change) is a compilation of street artists around the world joining in one voice.  I hope you find this video as inspiring as I do.

As you watch, ask yourself this question: "Who depends on ME to stand by THEM?"  Whoever it is, make sure you are doing that to the best of your ability.  Now stretch and do it even better.


Until Next Time,
Jacki

Thanksgiving: an official reminder to appreciate the people in your life!

Thanksgiving. For many, "Turkey Day" is a fun day of celebration, for others it's a dreaded affair. Some of you will see friends and family on the holiday, and wish it could happen more often than once a year. And some of you will consider it torture to have to see some of your family members and ask "has it ALREADY been a year since the last time I saw them?"

But no matter what your personal feelings towards Thanksgiving are, it's important to remember the spirit of the holiday. This is the official "appreciation" holiday. The day of the year where we concentrate on our blessings. The day of the year that we commemorate the people that came to America in search of religious and political freedom. The day of the year where we officially join together in one voice to Thank God for our freedom.

Ahhhh, and you thought it was just about turkey, football, and a day off of work!

So in the spirit of the holiday, remember to show your gratitude to the loved ones in your life. Reach out and give them the appreciation they deserve. Go out of your way to let them know THEY MATTER.

If you make a conscious effort to bring a bit of the Thanksgiving attitude into your daily life, you'll see both your professional and personal relationships improve. Who wouldn't want that?!

Jacki Semerau © Copyright 2008