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Importance of Being Thankful

David Freedman, PM2

humor. I recently started the Pathway “Engaging in a positive way? Does your workplace give

Humor” as part of my continuing education in notice or incentives to further pay it forward?
Toastmasters since humor can be an incredible And what happens if you’re the one in need
way to break the ice in tense situations, not and no help is forthcoming? Perhaps the most
to mention it’s enormously helpful when damning thing that can be said about this time

performing on stage. of year is that, for all that we’re thankful for,
And perhaps most importantly, especially our good fortune often comes at someone else’s
given the events over the past few years, I’m expense, intentionally or otherwise. For those of
thankful for our country’s freedom of speech. I us who’ve learned the value of reciprocity, and

can’t stress enough how important that freedom perhaps what some people call karma, paying
is in our lives that we have the right to state our it forward is not just a mantra but a necessity
piece without fear of reprisal, though again using borne out of one’s life experience. Thus giving
wisdom in what you say on the job makes a great thanks becomes just as much about what we’ve

deal of sense. accomplished during the year as well as what
Giving thanks sounds so easy when we we’d least desire to experience in our lives. And
do it at this time of year, but it’s also a dicey that’s always a fragile balance to maintain, no
proposition if we’re in dire circumstances. If you matter how well off you are.

can’t find work, if you’ve lost a family member, When you’re with your loved ones this
or if you’re looking at losing your home, being holiday season, remember that giving thanks
thankful is far more challenging. Giving thanks is a necessary and wonderful blessing that can
for the things you have is certainly vital, but also become an incentive for change. Creating

what happens when you see people who don’t traditions that resonate with the community,
share the same prosperity you do? Do you especially by empowering others to do their best,
volunteer at a soup kitchen or give money to gives us many more reasons to be thankful for
organizations that give back to the community what we have.

VOICES! | NOVEMBER 2022 35