What gifts of thanksgiving can you extend this week? Better, what gifts of thanksgiving can you receive.

We really need both.

Gifts of thanksgiving we can easily give could include:

• an outstretched hand of hope
• a word of kindness
• a smile of peace

We can also give others the gift of receiving their gracious acts of thanksgiving with gratitude.

I like what Mr. Rogers, who is one of my greatest hereos, had to say about receiving with gratitude. In a 1997 interview on the Charlie Rose news program, Mr. Rogers said he wanted to “learn how to be the best receiver [he] could ever be.”

“Graceful receiving is one of the most wonderful gifts we can give anybody. If we receive what somebody gives us in a graceful way we’ve given that person, I think, a wonderful gift.”

BUT WHAT IF FAMILY GATHERINGS ARE HARD???

WHY are family relationships so complex?
WHY do we not feel happy with family time?
WHY do we sometimes dread holiday gatherings?

Unfortunately, sometimes family time during the holidays can be extra hard. If this is the case for you, I offer you the hope there are things we can do to make them better.

Last week on Red Edge Live I had the opportunity to explore these questions with Lacy Bentley, a Master Life Coach who focuses on the renewal of close family relationships and behavioral addictions.

We explored ideas to establish healthy boundaries, forgiveness, and knowing it’s alright to simply set things aside for a time period. We also looked at the difference between externally influenced happiness versus internally created joy.

Click this link right here to watch the interview.

A MINISCULE GIFT

I leave you with a minuscule though that came one morning as slivers of sunshine gently stirred my soul awake, nourishing my heart with gratitude for the significant gift of a specific friendship. May you feel the love I have for you

LIFE’S MOST SOUGHT FOR GIFT
By Les Patterson

Few there to be found
Friends who love as you
Who do freely share
Life’s most sought for gift
That which we all seek
Acceptance, hope, love

A simple verse penned
As my slumbering
Soul awakens, stirs
To the hope you give.
Gently I say thanks
And I love you too

Have a great Monday! Thanks for letting me share!

Les

p.s. Take 13 minutes today to intentionally focus on giving and receiving thanksgiving.

PERSONAL PROMISE PROCLAMATION

The Story You Most Consistently Tell Yourself Will be The Story To Most Consistently Come True In Your Life. Intentionally Create A Beautiful, Powerful, Wonderful Story!

Discover how you can better use the persuasive power of your story to better influence yourself and those you care about by scheduling a complimentary “Gain the Red Edge” mentoring call.

Click this link to schedule your complimentary call