Darren Hardy, publisher of Success Magazine  and author of The Compound Effect says, “To be great, be grateful”.

Darren’s come up with a Thanksgiving challenge. He suggests:

 “My challenge to you is to think of an area of your life you are
having difficulty in and want to improve. For the next 21 days, take
three minutes at the end of the day and write down what about that
problematic situation you appreciate, what’s good and what you’re
grateful for. This could be a confrontational co-worker at the office,
your job as a whole or your troubled marriage… anything or anyone that
frustrates or negatively affects you.

I promise you, when you change how you look at a situation, the situation changes.”

DAY 11

During this:”season of lights” I’ve been trying to take pause and not get too wrapped up in the commercialism of it all.

And it’s not too difficult when many friends of mine are facing death of a loved one, their own serious health issues, and other  personal hardships. Lately such realities  from those I know and care about have been especially numerous.

Just last Sunday, a mere six days ago I saw an elderly neighbor friend at church. Last night I learned he passed away suddenly , plus  his wife ( also a friend) was just diagnosed with a rapidly growing form of cancer. Another, much younger friend closer to my age that I saw during summer – who appeared fine at the time now has a recurrence of melanoma in two parts of his body, in addition to his brain.

I cannot help but ponder my own mortality, and give thanks for each day I have been given. For the gift of life is a treasure. Being a cancer survivor myself, I am grateful for everything, everyday.