A Gratitude Tradition

Last year one of my wife’s co-workers started a “gratitude tradition” at their school (my wife is a first grade teacher). She simply sent an e-mail to the teachers asking them to list three things for which they are grateful. While totally voluntary, the response was heart-warming. It helped personalize the school staff and build morale.

Each person who participated gave three things they are grateful for. Pretty simple. So this year during the Thanksgiving season they are doing it again.

Here is what my wife wrote for the three things she’s grateful for:

1. Two teenage girls who still call me "Mommy," give me fashion and hair advice, and somehow still really want to hang out with me.
2.  My boyfriend...who just happens to be my husband of 23 years.
3.  My team…who I can pray with, confide in, get advice from, laugh hysterically with, and share a common goal to do what is best for first graders.

You can easily implement a gratitude tradition professionally and personally. At your place of business, encourage your co-workers to e-mail three things they are grateful for this year. Before carving the turkey on  Thanksgiving dinner have each person go around and share three things for which they are thankful.

Cheesy—yes. Corny—yes. Unbelievably wonderful—absolutely yes! Don’t be too cool not to show those around you that you are a real person and that there are many things to be thankful for this year.

By the way, here are the three things I’m grateful for:

1. My loving and beautiful wife—who truly makes me a better person.
2. My teenage daughters—who always put a smile on their proud father’s face.
3. My clients—who have helped me launch a successful speaking and consulting business.

What about you? What three things are you grateful  for?

Think Huge!