Be Thankful

The Lesson – Be Thankful!

In celebration of Thanksgiving, I want to share a poem that I read this past weekend titled More Than a Day.

More Than a Day
By Karl Fuchs

As Thanksgiving Day rolls around,
It brings up some facts, quite profound.
We may think that we’re poor,
Feel like bums, insecure,
But in truth, our riches astound.

We have friends and family we love;
We have guidance from heaven above.
We have so much more
Than they sell in a store,
We’re wealthy, when push comes to shove.

So add up your blessings, I say;
Make Thanksgiving last more than a day.
Enjoy what you’ve got;
Realize it’s a lot,
And you’ll make all your cares go away.

The Challenge

This week’s challenge is in the first two sentences of the third stanza.

First, spend a few moments doing what the poem suggests: Add up your blessings. Consider what you have, what you are surrounded by, the people in your life, and who you are. Can you come up with 25 items? 50? 100? Download Skills World’s Attitude of Gratitude Cultivator™ worksheet, grab a pencil, and get busy!

You might reflect on:

• Your personal talents and abilities.
• Special memories that you hold dear.
• Your family and friends, and others who have made an impression in your life.
• Your health, education, and knowledge.
• Negative things that have shaped your character.
• The little stuff–like chocolate chip cookies!

Then, on Friday morning, wake up determined to make Thanksgiving last more than a day. Be thankful for everything in your life, everyday of your life.  You might think about keeping a journal and making a note each day of at least one thing you are thankful for or commit to sending one thank-you note each week for the next year to someone who has made an impact on your life.

The Reflection

Take a moment to share your thoughts on one (or more) of these five questions in the comments section below.

1.      What are three things for which you are most thankful?
2.      Name one reason why you are grateful for being part of the credit and collection industry.
3.      What tips can you share for cultivating an attitude of gratitude?
4.      Do you think that today’s society is too busy to stop and smell the roses?
5.      What is one negative experience that has actually had a positive impact on your life?

Be thankful!

Gary Jensen
Editor | collector mentor

To download companion worksheets to use with The collector mentor Challenge™, please visit www.collectormentor.com/thechallenge.

About collector mentor
Published bimonthly, collector mentor is a quick-read publication dedicated entirely to delivering articles and practical advice that teaches credit and collection professionals how to increase collection results, enhance productivity, improve teamwork, and become better stewards of the industry.