Practicing Thankfulness in Your San Francisco Bay Area Business

Does your San Francisco Bay Area family sit around the table at Thanksgiving dinner and share something they’re thankful for?

I’ve been at those holiday meals many a time. I appreciate the intent, and will admit it’s usually effective in getting me to feel more grateful, but I do wish those hosts would generally restrict the “I’m thankful for” conversations for the end of the meal.

“Some like it hot,” as they say on Broadway. It definitely tastes a lot better that way.

I’m joking (kind of), but gratitude IS the sort of spirit I try to share this time of year. Taking time to notice the good things is one of the chief benefits of the Thanksgiving holiday, and I want to dwell on it in spite of all the garland and reindeer and sale signs going up in early November distracting me away from thankfulness and toward consumerism.

So let’s pause for a minute, can we? There’s plenty of time to indulge in consumerism the rest of the year.

"Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance." - Eckhart Tolle

I think that quote applies particularly well to business owners. Building a business is really hard, as you know, full of highs and lows. The burdens can be so overwhelming that you’re tempted to quit, and more than once. 

Dwelling on what HAS gone well is worth the effort to move your mind out of those “never” and “always” statements that so quickly lead you down a dark road.

So here’s my move toward thankfulness this week…

I’m thankful for the people who have helped me along in my business journey. From its earliest beginnings, I’ve had colleagues and clients and partners and friends who have believed in me and helped make a way for me to build this business into what it is today. 

What about you? 

I encourage you to share your thoughts of thankfulness and stories of good times with your staff and team this week as well. 

If done sincerely, it will go a long way.

Whatever financial or other difficulties you and your  business have experienced this year, find some space for thankfulness as a team. In tough times, there are good things hidden, and in good times, there might be worries lurking. If you can find and enjoy the good stuff, it'll help you and your team do well, even when things are hectic and stressful.

Getting in the spirit of thankfulness,

Patti ONeill