I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes, I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked. 

‘Just a minute,’ answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. 

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90’s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940’s movie. 

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. 

Ask yourself this question: Will this matter a year from now? ~Richard Carlson

When you are having ‘one of those days’ where nothing goes your way and your frustration level is at it’s peak, take a deep breath and ask yourself, “Will this matter a day, a week, a month or year from now?” Odds are, whatever challenge is causing your current stress or irritation is something that soon enough will be forgotten. It simply won’t matter in the grand adventure of your life. Read more →

Stop focusing on how stressed you are and remember how blessed you are.

There are days when life overwhelms us. Everything is a struggle and our stress level skyrockets.

When we are in this place – and it happens to all of us – we often focus on what is wrong rather than all of the blessings that surround us.

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By taking time to show your gratitude for the small things in life, you will open your eyes and heart to the tremendous amount you have to be grateful for.

If you’re not used to appreciating the little things, take baby steps. Start with being aware of those seemingly insignificant and trivial things. Make a mental note of one or two things a day that you appreciated. Maybe even start a gratitude journal and jot these items down each day.

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It is in our hands to shift our thoughts, feelings, energy and therefore, our actions.

I recently had the opportunity to meet with a coaching client who was in the middle of a medical issue. After her surgery and when she was recovered, I asked her if she would be willing to write about her experience. Following is the reflection I received from her. Thank you, Kathleen.

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Be kind, be thoughtful, be genuine, but most of all, be thankful.

In what ways were you kind, thoughtful, genuine and thankful today? Make a note in your gratitude journal or a notebook.

• Allowing the person with one item to go ahead of me in line. Read more →

Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse. ~ Henry Van Dyke

Traditions are meant to be simple yet meaningful as well as enjoyed and remembered for years to come.

Thanksgiving traditions usually include turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie and families huddled around the television watching football. The holiday lends itself by it’s very nature to sharing our gratitude.

Below are a few traditions that will help promote the expression of appreciation and thankfulness. Read more →