Reflections of gratitude on the Day of Donation

Last month in a regular update I receive from an executive coach our company used to work with I received a bit of a wake up call.  Roger, the coach, was telling us all that he had just been diagnosed with a brain tumor.  It was a jolt out of the blue just as he was contemplating retirement and what the “next” phase of life would be for him.  Roger’s posts are always poetic and poignant but never more so than the one he sent today, reminding us all that it doesn’t take a brush with the potential for our demise for us to stop and focus on what is really important.

The events of these past few weeks – vitriol over the election and the horrible effects of Hurricane Sandy on the East Coast can take our focus from what is really important.  When I look at what the people in NY and NJ are having to deal with I am filled with sadness for them and gratitude for how fortunate I am each night when I go to bed to have shelter, warmth, water and food.  We take these basics for granted so often.  Imagine going just one night in freezing temperatures with no heat, light and little food or water.  Imagine what it is like to be in the dark; cold and hungry.  Be grateful for what you have but share what you have to help those in need – not just because of a hurricane.  Do it every day.  But today give to the Red Cross or the Salvation Army – both well run organizations helping the needy on the East Coast.  Today is the Day of Giving for the Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/.  Or to the Salvation Army at http://www.use.salvationarmy.org/use/www_use_nj.nsf/vw-sublinks/7F7D9ED035662A8285257AAC00665BF4?openDocument  And if you are anywhere near the area find out where you can volunteer.  They need all kinds of help.  Check with local charities and churches that may also be organizing clean up and support efforts.  American is the most giving nation on earth.  So give what you can.

When you climb in to your warm bed tonight, think of all those who have lost their beds and everything they have.  Say a prayer for their safety, strength and resilience.  Remember them tonight but remember them again in the weeks and months that follow.  Long after the news fades of this event there will be people in need.  Just ask the people of New Orleans who are still recovering from their devastation.  Its a long slow process and its easy for us to forgot out here.

And in this troubling time I would also like to share with you Roger’s post for today “The Poem This You” http://www.apogeeceo.com/post/2012/11/01/The-Poem-That-Is-You.aspx

Remember to stop, reflect and appreciate all that surrounds you.  Remember what is essentially important – family, friends, your relationship to the sacred (whatever that is for you).  Don’t let all the electronics and the business of the day get in the way of just take a few minutes out of your day to reflect on the small things – a smile, the warm sunshine, the fall leaves, your child’s laughter, a hot cup of coffee.  Be grateful.