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My Thanksgiving Proclamation

11/25/2014

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Let's state the facts and get them out of the way: People are hurting. They're sick. They're financially burdened. They're lonely. People all around you, and maybe even you, are suffering for so many various reasons. 

But there's one thing I've notice about abundance, it makes no difference when it comes to gratitude. In fact, the richer people become, the more likely they are to expect more riches. The easier the road a person is walking, the less likely he is to stop for help. The lighter the load a person carries, the less aware he is of someone else's burden. 

Those people are the least likely to walk with an attitude of gratitude and most likely to embrace an entitlement attitude. 

It's Thanksgiving time, and so much of this holiday has become overshadowed by commercialism. The idea of Christmas shopping and decorations has encroached on this day of thankfulness to the point where it's more like a few hours of thankfulness in anticipation of the Black Friday sales. This was not what the day was intended to be. 

So, I'd just like to take this opportunity to express my thanks. I'm thankful for you who faithfully read my words. I'm thankful for my employers and for a company who puts people first. I'm thankful for my family--there are no words, really. And I'm thankful for my God, without whom none of this would be as beautiful.

Now, I realize that many of you who read this blog may take offense to the words of the letter I'm about to quote. But, please, consider the intentions I have as I post them. I wish us all to be reminded of our roots, never so closed off to the past that we forget our blessings as a nation and as individuals, and never so blind to our foundation that we let it crumble.

The following is excerpted from the Thanksgiving proclamation by President George Washington:

...Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

We often arrive at this time of year and ask ourselves what we're most thankful for. I think that's a good place to start. Next, let's look at the rough patches of our lives until we can find reason to be grateful, even for those. 


I find it it interesting that in the Hebrew language and other languages around the globe, there is no word for “thank you” or even “thanks”. in these languages we frequently see the word “praise” used as a way of expressing our gratitude. In one dialect when thanks and even praise is needed a story is told of the person deserving the thanks. Within the story is always the use of the person's name. In these areas of the world when thanks is given people will say, “ I will tell of your name”. 

In other words, it's not just a feeling of thankfulness, it's an expression of praise that you share with others. Don't keep it to yourself. Tell others about the blessings in your life through your words and your deeds.

I wish you a very happy, restful, and thankful holiday. 

Onward!

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Love Well.

11/15/2014

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It's the final post in the Difference Maker series that began HERE! It goes right along with some of the life lessons I have explored in my writing here on this blog and in my book The Difference Maker.

Speak Life. Live Truth. Love Well.

We had a great time looking at what it means to Speak Life to yourself and others. We learned how to harness the power of our words to speak light and life and joy into the lives of others. Next we explored the concept of how to Live Truth.  It's one thing to know what's right and valuable, it's another thing to live it. We looked into issues like hypocrisy, cause-and-effect, and our higher calling.

Now this post will tackle the most important topic of learning to Love Well. When I think of the phrase: Love well, certain words pop into my mind. 

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In my opinion, one cannot Love Well without first learning to speak life and live truth. Those two qualities are the embodiment of the pursuit to Love Well. True love of others, of life, and of self cannot exist without life and truth. Within those three categories of love, there are some specific ways to do it well:

Love of others.
1. Selflessness. This is the most important characteristic in loving others. Putting other people's needs above your own is the proof of selflessness.
2. Empathy. Laugh when they laugh; Cry when they cry. Empathy is a physiological response to the joy and pain of others. 
3. Grace. Grace is a powerful tool because it frees you from the burden of anger and expectations. It allows you to love freely.

Love of life.
1. Abandon. Let go of constraints. Throw your head back and letting the sun warm your cheeks. Feel the wind at your back as you race ahead, not knowing what's at the next turn, but eager to find out. Release.
2. Experiences. Chase new things and enjoy the mysteries of life for yourself. Try new things, taste new foods. Expand your horizons.
3. Gratitude. In all things, be thankful. We are not guaranteed another moment on this earth, so make each one count and let thankfulness fill your soul.

Love of self.
1. Physical health. Taking care of your physical body is the most basic manner of loving yourself. Eat right; move your body; raise your heart rate. And even in this rat race society, make it a priority to get enough sleep. 
2. Strong faith. Statistics show that people with firm beliefs are generally more confident and at peace. Pursue truth and hold tightly to it.
3. Authenticity. If you LOVE yourself, you're not afraid to BE yourself. Live transparently and let people in. 
My call to action for you is to take some time this week to mediate on the words: Speak Life. Live Truth. Love Well. Ask yourself what it will take to achieve those goals as you move about life in the coming weeks and months. Let go of your fear. Embrace life. And move...

Onward!
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    Tony Bridwell is a Partner and Practice Leader for Partners In Leadership with nearly three decades of executive leadership experience. Most recently serving as the Chief People Officer of Brinker International, Tony is a highly recognized thought leader, speaker, and coach in corporate culture, L&D, and human resources, being named 2015 HR Executive of the Year and also receiving the 2015 Strategic Leadership Award .

    A native Oklahoman, Tony, who has three grown children, now resides in Dallas, Texas with his wife, Dee. In addition to being a husband and father, Tony is an active member of his church, where he serves as a Deacon and leadership mentor.

    Tony is the author of two books:
    The Difference Maker: A Simple Fable About Making A Difference In The Life Of Others (August 2013)
    The Kingmaker: A Leadership Story of Integrity and Purpose (June 2016)

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