As we ease into the holiday season, remember all that you are thankful for and keep those thoughts in mind every day. Here are some words of wisdom from “Dear Abby” that can make this easier.
During the holidays, we tend to focus on what we’re grateful for. It can be a challenge to find gratitude during our day-to-day challenges. Sometimes, a little wisdom is all we need to pause, reflect and see things from a DIFFERENT perspective.
Recently, after some of the trials and tribulations my vibrant 92-year-old husband has faced, I’m deeply grateful that he is receiving the proper care and guidance from his doctors, his wonderful companion and trainers. It is truly a balancing act.
To my family, friends and clients, here is a piece by Abigail Van Buren of “Dear Abby” fame on the importance of gratitude.
“Dear Readers:
… How’s your health? Not so good? Well, thank God you’ve lived this long. A lot of people haven’t. You’re hurting? Thousands – maybe millions – are hurting more. (Have you ever visited a Veteran’s hospital? Or a hospital for crippled children?)
If you awakened this morning and were able to hear the birds sing, use your vocal cords to utter human sounds, walk to the breakfast table on two good legs and read the newspaper with two good eyes (or even one), praise the Lord! A lot of people couldn’t.
How’s your pocketbook? Thin? Well, most of the world is a lot poorer. No pensions. No welfare. No food stamps. No Social Security. No Medicare. In fact, one-third of the people in the world will go to bed hungry tonight.
Are you lonely? The way to have a friend is to be one. If nobody calls you, pick up the phone and call somebody. Go out of your way to do something nice for somebody. It’s a cure for the blues.
Are you concerned about your country’s future? Hooray! Our system has been saved by such concern. Concern for fair play under the law. If you don’t like your elected officials, you can go to work and vote for them out of office. We still have the soapbox and the ballot box. Or would you rather be in Central America, Ethiopia, or Afghanistan? (I’ll add – Syria, Libya, Iraq – this list goes on and on in the years since Abby wrote this piece. -LM)
Freedom rings! You can still worship at the church of your choice or not worship at all. You can cast a secret ballot, even criticize your government without fearing a knock on the head or knock on your door in the middle of the night.
And if you want to live under a different system, goodbye and good luck! You are free to go.
As a final thought, I’ll repeat my Thanksgiving prayer: Perhaps you want to use it at your table this year.
We thank thee for the food and remember the hungry.
We thank thee for health and remember the sick.
We thank thee for friends and remember the friendless.
We thank thee for freedom and remember the enslaved.
May these remembrances stir us to service.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!”
Let us not forget to be thankful not just during the holiday season, but every day.
If you ‘re considering hiring a personal trainer, our approach is a little different. We offer fitness training grounded in years of experience working with seniors who have chronic conditions. We bring expertise, clear communication, and a good sense of humor—because laughter can be healing, too. It begins with a thorough assessment, including a partial session and possibly a home safety check. Our FAQ page aka Questions and Answers can be useful, especially for someone new or returning to exercise. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn or get some greats tips on our website. You can also email us or call us 818-620-1442 for a consultation.
All the best! – Lori