FEATURED COLUMN by Britny Belskis: November is thankfulness month

Happy November, Friends,
I am so happy you and I are getting to be together in our monthly meetings. This week I am so thankful I can get a much-needed fall break! It also means we are much closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas, two of my favorite holidays.

I have decided to make the month of November my thankfulness month. This means every day I write out what I’m thankful for on my dry erase board, or even show someone I’m thankful for them. Right now, I am thankful for some down time after the chaos of this semester. Is there something or someone you are thankful for? In the next few paragraphs, WE will brainstorm together ways of how you can show the people around you how thankful you are for them. As William Arthur Ward once stated, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” So, here we go!
Many of us have those in our lives we do life with. They are the people who go above and beyond for their friends and family. Can you think of those people in your life? Do you see their face in your mind? Do you remember the times they were there for you? They could have been with you when your baby took a step or sat with you all night when you got the worst news of your life. How can you show them you love and appreciate them?
Here are some ways we can actively show them we care. One way is by writing them a letter about something they did for you and telling them how it made a significant difference your life. For instance, I wrote a thankfulness letter to a mentor. This has been engraved in my mind since I was very young.
How else can you show a person you care about them? This could be doing something little for them. Sometimes all they need is a hug and to know they are appreciated. If you are like me, you get them a little gift to say thank you. This will be unexpected to them but will make a big impact.
I remember there were a few times when my sister had to bring me to Southeastern because I didn’t have a ride to get there. Well, the third day she picked me up, I had a coffee waiting for her to thank her for all she does. It doesn’t have to be buying something for the person; it can as simple or extravagant as you want to do.
All it takes is one person to initiate the gesture. One person to say those two words that can go a long way — “Thank you!” That is all it takes to bless someone who has been in your life. You will see the blessing flow instantly.

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” — Oscar Wilde