Tuesday, November 25, 2008

An attitude of gratitude

Last time we talked about Joe Montana and winning against the odds.
This week we’re going to talk about being grateful for what life brings.
Our friend Ann Elliott tells a story about her alcoholic mother.
Mom was supposed to pick up Ann after school each day.
Some days Mom didn’t show up. Ann would call and call.
Mom wouldn’t answer the phone. She had had one too many nips.
On those days, Ann would have to find her own way home.
It took Ann many years to forgive her mother for this behavior.
But she came to realize Mom gave her an unintended gift.
Ann learned to be resourceful and take care of herself.
That was an important life lesson. What has life taught you?
Here's another story about an unintended gift.
Our family was in a partnership with untrustworthy partners.
We finally had to walk away from the business.
We started a rival business and made it successful.
We then bought the partners' unsuccessful business.
Had they treated us well, we would still be working for them.
They gave us the gift of independence and eventual success.
As we approach Thanksgiving, we need to count our blessings.
Think about the gifts others have given us, intended or not.
For more on success in business, click here.