In the first week of Month of Thanksgiving, I’ve expressed gratitude for things including democracy, traditional jazz and New York City.
I also gave thanks for my trainer, and there are plenty more people in my life who make me grateful.*
Who are you grateful for? And why?
Maybe you thought of your spouse, or your best friend, or the best boss you’ve ever had?
How about the mechanic who you trust totally to never rip you off? The author whose books bring you joy? Your favorite waiter at your favorite restaurant, the one who makes you feel like a VIP?
Tell me who you’re grateful for and I’ll help you say thank you to the people who make your life better.
Comment on this blog post telling me who you’re grateful for and why, and I’ll choose my favorite and send that person a thank you gift during Thanksgiving week — a flower arrangement or a Zingerman’s treat, your choice.
Are you a little embarrassed at the thought of your favorite band, the one whose music always puts you in a better mood, getting a thank you bouquet? If you’re really too uncomfortable with the idea, I’ll make a charity donation in the winner’s name instead — but first I’ll nudge you a little to imagine how you’d feel receiving a surprise thank you gift with a note that says “You make the world a better place.” I don’t care who you are, I think that’d make my day.
Post your gratitude by Saturday, Nov. 20 to be eligible. I’ll make my selection based on the sincerity of your gratitude, the reasons you give, creativity and originality. YouTube videos, photo slide shows and any other form of submission are welcome, in addition to good old fashioned text.
And while we’re at it, I’m grateful for you. Every person who stops by to read my blog makes my day a little brighter, especially those who comment and/or share a link with their friends. Thanks for your interest!
* During last year’s Month of Thanksgiving, I gave thanks for my husband, my family, my friends and some folks who’ve made a big difference in my life at key points.
Who are you grateful for?
17 Comments
Amanda
I’m incredibly grateful for my husband, Jordan. I don’t say so publicly very often because I’m afraid of grossing people out. But really, why should it be gross for a married couple to be in love? I guess people just don’t want to hear about it. But think about all of the things we DO talk about – the BS and small talk…
Anyway, maybe I’m imagining false public reproach when really, I don’t talk about it because it’s private… something he knows that I feel, and something that’s ours alone to share.
But I’m taking your post as a challenge. And so, for the first time, in a public space, let me say: I am the luckiest woman alive. Jordan gets me to my core, and his mere presence makes me light up with joy, even 16 years in.
He takes care of me, indulging me and pushing me in equal measure. He shows me things I’d never see alone. And he makes me laugh every single day.
I tell so many stories – maybe the story of “us” is one that deserves some fresh air, too…
Eleanor
I used to tithe monthly by sending a bouquet of flowers to someone who inspired me – a favorite children’s book author, an unknown choreographer, a wonderful great aunt, etc. Was a lot of fun, especially since the person was not expecting this.
Great idea for a contest, Colleen!
Josie Ann
I’m thankful for my father’s voice. My parents knew that at some point I’d be on my own, and that their teachings would be a guide that I could use to navigate life’s lessons. They didn’t push hard, they didn’t force lessons, they merely led me, asked me to think through things, and expected me to live to my potential – the potential that I set. My father passed away six years ago this month. I still listen for his leadership and can hear his voice and teachings everyday. He did such an amazing job, in life, to take time to guide me that in death I know where he would lead me. My mom is my anchor. She is the one I call when I’m just not sure what is going on. Her perspective has always been that to listen to what was going on but to never just agree. She has forced me on many occasions to look at all perspectives and has, in turn, made me better than I ought to be. I’m grateful to have her in my life and phone her each morning on my way to work to start my day with her love. I just feel blessed on so many levels to be loved as my parents have loved me.
John
For the Beatles and Seuss and Newvine and mom.
For P. S. Hoffman and Andrea Tom.
For Paul and Art and the Everly Brothers
For Marconi and Bell and Sinatra and others.
H.T. Riekels
I am grateful for the life I have to live. It is filled with wonderful people, opportunities and beauty. Sure, it isn’t always sunshine, lollipops and rainbows, but it is the not as good parts that keep things interesting. Yep, it’s pretty damn awesome.
Julia
My older sister is the person I looked up to, wanted to be or at least dress like when I was small. When I was young, she was bossy, mean & impatient with me. Once we were young adults & became friends – it seemed implausible – but I found it hard to get through a day without her counsel or just the sound of her voice on the phone. She has loved me, cheered me on & made me feel so important and good about myself when I was in the darkest moments of opening my own business. We’ve been through so much together & separately that we could write a very sad book but the laughter is what resonates most. I could not be more thankful.
Suzi
Okay, this is going to sound like a plug for my non-profit, but I am very grateful for Ann Arbor Civic Theatre. And here’s why: I met my husband, my true love of my life, there; I have met some of the very best friends I could ever have there; I work with one of my best friends there; my daughter found her dream in life–and is in New York trying to make the dream come true!–by learning about theatre there. I am grateful for so many people, and I have so many wonderful people in my life, but I realize that this one lovely organization has given me these people to begin with!
Amanda
I subscribed to the comments for this thread and have to say, getting little bursts of gratitude in my inbox throughout the day is pretty lovely 🙂
margaret y.
I am grateful for my daughter’s bus driver. School bus driver isn’t the most glamorous job, but Miss Penny has chosen to be the best driver she possibly can. Bus 99 arrives at the exact same time each day, no matter the weather or road conditions, with Disney Radio always coming through the speakers. You’d think that by now, all those Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus songs would have killed off a little piece of her heart, but Miss Penny is unfailingly cheerful, as happy on Monday mornings as she is on Friday afternoons. When my daughter was younger, Miss Penny added an extra morning stop right at the mouth of our cul-de-sac, so that my daughter and her (also very little) friend could wait in full view of their houses. I loved being able to stand at the window and watch until my daughter was safely on board.
Twice a day, five days a week, Miss Penny uses a rickety school bus to transport cargo so precious it should be in an armored truck. But with Miss Penny at the wheel, I know my child–and all the children–will be cherished every mile of the trip.
Donna Barnhill Humpert
Colleen,
First, I just want to say I’m grateful for someone like you who brings to the table why we should be thankful. Since I’m in school, I am thankful and grateful for a family who surprises me everyday for their support while I’m in school. I am thankful for having a husband who is supportive of me while I finish school. I’m also grateful for his loving warm family who has accepted me as who I am. I am thankful for my family for the love they shared while I was in Florida last summer and continue to share. Therefore, I’m most thankful to God who allows us to witness his beautiful landscape around us. I am thankful to God for allowing me to have a healthy life to watch my sons grow to men.
Kathy
Okay, I’ll bite. I’m grateful for my two gorgeous daughters who make me feel every emotion under the sun! From glee to frustration and everything in between. But mostly for filling the little gaps in my life with their sweetness and love and just plain silliness at times. When they get excited about the little stuff, I swiftly travel back to being a kid again and knowing exactly what that feels like! My girls keep me young. I hope that’s a gift that keeps on giving!
Ruth G.
I’m grateful to all the folks behind Pantomonium Productions, who each year give time and effort and money to make sure the less fortunate kids in New York City — the ones who won’t be going to Radio City Music Hall or the latest Disney on Broadway — get to experience theater in a production made for them. And I’m grateful that I get to be part of it and watch a child get caught up for the first time in the magic of live theater.
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