Thanksgiving

This year, Thanksgiving occurs in Canada on October 10th.

So, to celebrate, I encourage you to say a deeply felt, genuine 'Thank You' to at least one person, on each of the next 3 days.  Look them in the eye, and say 'Thank You' in a way that you can be sure they've heard you and that you mean it.   Elaborate on why you are grateful, if it feels right.

Notice how the person receiving the thanks responds; how their face brightens, posture straightens, and attitude lightens.  Like a flower responding to sunshine, people blossom when they feel acknowledged and appreciated.

Those 2 simple words, spoken from the heart, can make such a positive difference to both the person hearing them and the person speaking them.

Happy Thanksgiving!

To hear for the 1st time

Sometimes we don't really appreciate what we've got until it's gone.  Then, there are stories that touch us and remind us of how fortunate we are.  This news article and video showed up today and I had to share it.  Watching the young woman in the video respond to hearing sound (and her own voice) for the first time is beautiful.   It's a modern day miracle.  I'm inspired by her and by the many, many people who had a hand in creating the technology that gave her a sense most of us take for granted. 


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/30/sara-churman-deaf-woman-_n_989220.html?ir=Canada

What are some of the things you love to listen to?  Laughter, music, birdsong, the sound of children playing, or rain gently falling.  Perhaps it's kind words from a friend or your name said with love.  For a moment, imagine not being able to hear those things.  What would that be like?  Then, find yourself really listening, and appreciate that you can.