“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust
We are heading closer and closer to Thanksgiving. That means it’s time to be thankful for all around us and, especially, for those who brighten our lives.
Being Grateful
Who is the most grateful person you know? By that, I mean, who seems to be thankful for all of their situations, no matter what is going on around them. Mine was my grandmother who we all called ‘Munner.’
No matter what was going on, Munner had a smile for you, a thoughtful word, and a laugh. And, she loved to play cards. Loved it. She was always especially thankful when we made a discard mistake on which she could pounce. (Munner was always grateful and a little competitive….)
She did not have much. In fact, the older I get, the more I realize just had little she had. However, it was always more than enough for her and she was thankful for every bit. She was so thankful for what she had that she gave a good deal of it away.
Munner always seemed to live this quote:
“Gratitude takes nothing for granted. It shines a spotlight on all that is good, amplifying its presence, all while putting your ‘problems’ into perspective and emboldening you with the courage you need to respond to them more constructively, less resentfully; more graciously, less begrudgingly.”
Becoming Grateful
We all need a bit of help in this light. It’s one of the reasons we picked ‘gratitude’ as a core Weeuquahic value. People who are grateful feel full, no matter how much or little the have at that 
moment. And, they are more courageous in new or difficult situations.
That is why we ask our potential staff members about their approach to gratitude. It’s why we educate about its importance. And, it’s why we do our best to model it every day in a myriad of ways.
We hope you spend a few moments this Thanksgiving holiday thinking about the people in your life and then giving them specific thanks. More importantly, act thankfully. While thankful words are important, living those words is even more so.
Have a wonderful great weekend and wonderful Thanksgiving!
