This Post Is Taking Part in Brody Harper’s Positive Post Tuesday Carnival!

It’s been a while since I’ve taken part in one Brody’s Positive Post Tuesday events, but I just couldn’t let another slip by. As we approach Thanksgiving, there’s much to be thankful for. Yes, even in the midst of turmoil, we do have much to be thankful for. Actually, because of the situation many find themselves in today, this could be one of the most important Thanksgiving times ever. This year, the best medicine for everyone to take could very well be an attitude of thankfulness as we find ourselves heading into another Thanksgiving season.

As part of my radio gig, I also host a talk show called The Live Line. From time to time I come across a guest that really stands out in the crowd.

One such guest is Mike Robbins, author of Focus on the Good Stuff. 

Mike has an amazing story. He was drafted out of high school by the New York Yankees. But, instead of heading to the Yankees organization, he decided to attend college and pitch at Stanford University where he pitched in the College World Series. After college, he went on to play for the Kansas City Royals for three seasons. When it looked like he had everything going for him, Mike suffered a career ending arm injury.

Faced with the decision of what to do, Mike decided to turn what looked like a bad situation, into a positive situation, by looking for the good stuff.

I thoroughly enjoy talking with Mike on the air. He’s so positive, and he’s always an encouragement to my listeners. Yesterday we talked about Thanksgiving. Many in the nation are stressed out these days. Yes, there’s the crush of the economy, and for many, there’s just the crush of everyday life. How can we begin to change our outlook, when things look so grim around us. The answer — Take small steps toward changing our attitude by being thankful for for the good stuff going on around us. During the interview with Mike he outlined three reminders and three action ideas that provide a great starting point for our journey toward thankfulness as a culture and a way of life. If you can’t wrap your mind around the thought of being thankful every day, at least take the small step and activate these steps for this Thanksgiving.

Reminders…

  1. Be grateful – focus on the good stuff and count your blessings.
  2. Acknowledge teh people around you – let the people in your life know what you appreciate about them.
  3. Appreciate yourself – pat yourself on the back and focus on what you are doing well.
Action Ideas…
  1. When you sit down at the table for Thanksgiving, go around the table and have everyone share things they’re grateful for.
  2. Before, during, or after your meal, pick someone to acknowledge, let them know how they’ve positively impacted your life, and then ask them to “pay it forward” and acknowledge someone else in the group. Keep going until everyone has been appreciated.
  3. Take some time to reflect on yourself and your life. Ask yourself — “What do I appreciate about myself?” Think about it, write it down, and/or share your answers to this question with others.
As we approach another Thanksgiving time, I’m thankful for people like Mike Robbins who outline in such a great and simple way, an easy step by step process we can go through to be thankful. Secondly, I’m thankful for Brody who gives us a forum every week to be positive about someone in our lives. As we’re positive about others, our attitude truly will change concerning whatever circumstances we might find ourselves in. 
A Fellow Sojourner,
Dr. Rus