Giving Thanks

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent Monday, November 21, 2011

Thanksgiving is the cornerstone of transformation. The holiday season is a time of reflection, hope, and change according to one of my favorite pastors. He goes on to say that he often takes inventory of the many blessings in his life, enabling him to be prepared for the opportunities that will present themselves.

It is too easy to focus on the negative. We are almost drawn to it, conditioned to do so, as we hear “The News”. But really, we have an opportunity to change what we hear…. after all the root of “News” is “NEW.” By paying attention, choosing what we hear, we can refocus on the real news…. opportunity for transformation.

“Thanks Giving” is a course to a new outlook, much like driving a car. Imagine seeing “Thanks Giving” written on the side of your vehicle. Let’s go for a ride. First, we need to put the key in the ignition, a good indication that we want to change where we are. Great, we are ready to go. Not so fast, first let’s make sure that we have our seat belt on, we plan to arrive safely, so no negatives…. Seatbelts protect us from the negatives…

Now let’s adjust the rear view mirror. We need to see what lies behind us. We are looking for the positives, the things to be thankful for. What were they this year? You know, time with family, a fitness program that worked, or a goal set and attained. Whatever they were, they are in the rear view mirror. Knowing the successes of the past (things to be thankful for) can set the stage for a confident positive future.

Now that the rear view mirror is set, we need to check out where we are. Is there anything blocking your way? OK, now you know the best path to get moving forward. Turn on the engine and put “Thanks Giving” into gear. Oh Wait – where are we going? Good question. We need to key in a GPS destination, right (aka, our goals to move forward)! Now we are ready to move.

The windshield is clear and we can see the road. Though we have set the GPS to tell us how to get to our destination, we are still in the driver’s seat. We need to keep our eyes on the road, thankful for each successful milestone in our journey.

Where will your thanksgiving inventory take you this holiday season? The possibilities are yours to explore. Will it bring the freedom of forgiveness? Will your search set you free to achieve a new level of fitness (physical and mental)? Could it possibly bring a new way of doing business that sets the table for financial freedom? Thanksgiving can be a cornerstone, a transformation, and a freedom to succeed. Travel safely… to the NEW thankful you.

Jim Charapich is the President/CEO
Culpeper Chamber of Commerce.