I try to grow in some way everyday. Unfortunately, many days I have to settle for growth along my waistline, but that comes with this getting older crap that we’re all putting up with, so i won’t bitch about that. By “grow. ” I mean change for the better. I try quite hard not to take things, not even the little things for granted. It’s hard, but I get better at it everyday. I’ve been fortunate in many ways that help me along in this self-imposed endeavor. I’ve had life experiences to ponder including gains, losses and unique opportunities. I work in highway traffic control and safety, an industry that is large, but small and close on the people side with a professional community in the State of Delaware that is quite amazing. I have a great family, both in my ancestry and my own family, wife, step-children, dogs, cats and friends. I’m thankful for all of these things, but there’s more.
I’m thankful that all of the things have aligned in my life as they have. I’m thankful that the mistakes I’ve made haven’t been catastrophic and that I’ve not been gun-shy to make a seemingly impulsive choice that turned out to be the right one. I’m thankful that I was able to latch onto the love of my life and had the good sense to hold on when everyone else thought I was losing my mind.
While I mourn the losses I’ve had, I’m grateful for them as well. They’ve taught me the importance of living and the importance of being close to those who you love and letting them know why they are important in your life. Moreover, the losses have forced me to focus on who I want to be in the limited scope of human existence.
Here’s to the people I’ve learned from and the things I’ve learned:
-Life can suck sometimes, wear a helmet.
-Give everyone a chance regardless of age, size or any attribute that might otherwise sway an opinion. Most times you won’t be very surprised, but sometimes it’s striking and very much worth it.
-People screw up sometimes -OR- Mistakes, everybody gets one, if you’re smart, you’ll save it ’til you need it…
-Doing things for other people can be gratifying. This is especially true when you can make a difference in a life, no matter how small.
-We all deserve some kind of happy; it’s our responsibility to find it, recognize it and keep it.
-Family is forever and you are bound to it forever, we all are, it’s the burden of not being a solitary species. Learn to appreciate it all, even the stuff that is a pain in the ass.
-Friends are chosen. Learn to choose wisely and keep the good ones. Remember, potential friends tend to have families, remember those pains in the ass we just mentioned? So there is no need to feel guilty about not choosing everyone you meet as a friend.
-Sometimes, family can turn out to be a great place to make friends, this is handy if you like your family like I do…
-Shit Happens…
-Every day on this side of the grass is a good one. <– This one is BIG. I still have to remind myself of that at least twice a week.
That’s not nearly all I’ve learned, but I think it covers some important points worth sharing on this made up holiday of food, family and fun that is a remnant of our past celebrations of harvest. If anyone is interested, President Barry O. did, in his proclamation of Thanksgiving 2011, tie it back to the American Origin of Thanksgiving, a day of remembrance and thanks to those fighting and those who have fought on behalf of us all in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I always feel like common sense and logic are rarely taken into account when policies and processes are devised. Sure some things look great on paper. Take for instance, Self-service Check-out. At least half the time, it’s worth it, but there are generally just as many experiences like the one I had today.
When I accept something like this so you can put someone out of work, at least let me have the efficiency that I’m expecting!
