One of the first CEO’s I had direct contact with while working with him often stated – the door swings both ways. This applied to a number of instances from deals we were negotiating to employees being hired or fired. The statement applies to viewpoints we all hold near and dear to our hearts as well.

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” ~John F. Kennedy 

Have you ever considered how others see you? Especially when speaking out with a certain point of view or value system. Do we each live out these ideals and view points?

Is it possible, at least for a few days if not longer, everyone will intentional stop wearing their political opinions on their chest and enjoy having conversations with people on other topics?

“The way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement.”    ~Charles Schwab 

Each day is there someone we come into contact with where we may offer our appreciation and even encouragement to them. Are there people we come into contact with often where we are actually withholding our appreciation and encouragement to? 

How many of us are going to a food store to pick up a few last minute items or to purchase everything needed for the family feast?  Do you stop and look at the person, the real human being, behind the register scanning each item? Maybe, just maybe ask how they are doing at this busy season? What are they doing for Thanksgiving?

Be intentional with gratitude for your family, your health, for what you and your family have in life.  Celebrate by being intentional with gratitude to people you interact with.

It does not take more than a few minutes. Your caring attention and a few kind words may make someone’s day.

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
~ Mother Theresa

It is my hope and wish you will take in a few deep breaths and reflect on how really fortunate you are to be able to do exactly that. There are people who struggle for each single breath.

Here are a few thoughts to read through to help get you in the mood if you are not there yet.

“You never know when a moment and a few sincere words can impact a life forever.”                                                            ~ Zig Zigler

“They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
~ Maya Angelou

There may be some of you who are getting really upset with me. You feel that these are way too soft. In fact you are wondering if this article was outsourced. You should know me better than that by now. Every single word is written by me each week! This quote then is for all of you –

“Usually, what angry people need most is not more hostility, but to hear just a few kind words… to know someone cares. Like ‘Calm down, everything is going to be okay, you stupid psychotic f***’.”
~ Buster Gore

Enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday.

Mitch Tublin runs a boutique consulting company providing strategic and lean advice to a variety of mid-size companies to start-ups. As an advanced certified coach his practice is based in Stamford, CT.