Photo courtesy of kalandrakas. A Time for Gratitude
Article by Leo Babauta. (Follow me on Twitter.)
The holidays are a time of celebration for many — good food, lots of parties, gift-giving, family and friends, — but they can also be a time of mass consumption and hyper-consumerism.
I think with all the stresses of this season, and the expectations of our society, we often feel that we must give expensive gifts and throw lavish parties and cook up incredible amounts of food and drink — let’s admit it — what can only be called an unhealthy amount of alcohol.
It’s easy, with all this going on, to forget the true spirit of this season.
Recently I had a talk with my kids about how we shouldn’t think the holidays are all about getting gifts. How we should try to find other ways to celebrate, and get more into the spirit of giving. I’ve been reflecting on this a lot recently, and while none of this is anything original, I thought I’d share a few of my thoughts in hopes that it can keep things a little more sane for some people — and a little more joyful as well.
A Time for Gratitude
For those of us in the U.S., this is Thanksgiving week. That often becomes a day of overeating more than anything else, but what I love about it is that I get to get together with my family. I see grandparents and parents, cousins and aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews and half-siblings — people I see only intermittently throughout the year, not enough to be honest.
We get together and catch up and share our joys and sorrows. Yes, we overeat. But who among us can resist homemade pumpkin pie? It’s my favorite all-time dessert, actually. :)
But what should Thanksgiving really be about, besides family and friends? It’s about giving thanks, and too often this fades into the background of the holiday.
So I’d like to take a moment to give my thanks, briefly:
- I am deeply grateful for my wife, Eva, and my kids (Chloe, Justin, Rain, Maia, Seth and Noelle) … I love them all, overwhelmingly. I am grateful for my mom, Shannon, my dad, Joe, my sisters Katrina, Ana, Tiara, my brothers Joe, Brandon, Austin, and everyone else I’m lucky enough to call family.
- I am truly, truly grateful to all of you, my readers, for your continual encouragement on this blog, for making my dreams of doing something I’m passionate about come true, for making this job an incredibly fun and gratifying job. I am blessed to have all of you.
- I am blessed to be healthy, to have a great job, to have all my needs and desires fulfilled, to live a simple and joyful life.
What are you grateful for? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Take time this week, and all through the holidays, to cultivate the gratitude habit. It can change your life.
A Time for Reflection
The holidays being at the end of the year, I also like to remember to take this time to reflect on my life, the year so far, and the direction I’m headed in. It’s a great time to take assessment, to adjust as needed, to figure out what you want to do in the upcoming year.
I like to use this time, also, to simplify my life. To remember what’s essential, to eliminate the non-essential.
It’s also a great time, as you’re simplifying, to get rid of clutter. I like to get rid of stuff that’s accumulated throughout the year — and even the best declutterers among us have this happen — and Eva and I also help the kids go through their closets to make room for the crazy amounts of stuff they’ll be getting in December.
A Time for Celebration
While I know many of you are not Christian, for those of us who celebrate Christmas this season is really about celebrating Christ, as well as all that he stands for. The rest of you, I know, have other reasons for celebrating, religious or not.
I think this act of celebration is important, because it helps us to remember what’s important, and brings joy into our lives. It spices up life, and who doesn’t need a little merry-making in their life?
I love the traditions that come along with this season. Yours may be different, of course, but these traditions become important, no matter how small. My mom always invites me and my sisters, for example, to come over to make Christmas cookies. The kids get involved and it’s so much fun!
There are lots of little traditions like this, from decorating the Christmas tree to kissing under the mistletoe to exchanging gifts that are a lot of fun. What are your traditions?
I think it’s important to find ways to celebrate without having to spend tons of money. Christmas and the other holidays you might celebrate are not about getting deeply into debt. And it doesn’t have to be that way — if your family usually spends a lot of money to celebrate the holidays, it might be a good time to have a talk and see if there are other ways that you can be merry without Visa or Mastercard.
Some ideas:
- Exchange home-made gifts or consummables.
- Go caroling.
- Volunteer for charity (see next section for more).
- Have a party with singing and dancing and games and food, but no gifts required.
- Get together to do a community project.
I’m sure you can think of many others.
A Time for Giving
Receiving gifts is always fun, of course, as is giving lots of gifts. But this season of giving doesn’t have to be about buying in order to give. You can make things, for example … or better yet, you can give in other ways:
- Volunteer for charity. We do this with our kids, from Salvation Army bell ringing (lots of fun because you sing carols and give people candy) to cooking and serving food for the homeless. It teaches the kids a lot about giving, and warms your heart to help others.
- Do something nice for people you love. Wash their car, do chores or errands for them, babysit so they can go on a date, cook them their favorite dish or treat, help them with a project.
- If you have a lot of money to burn (as it seems with all the spending we do!), give it to someone who needs it more. Donate to a good cause.
On Consumerism and All That Jazz
I’ve mentioned consumerism a few times now and I think I should say a few words about it. First, let me start by saying I am in no way immune from consumerism — I am a part of it just as much as anyone else, and so I criticize it from within the system, not from without.
What’s consumerism? Basically, equating happiness with material goods. Buying in order to bring happiness and solve problems. Spending more and more — and earning more and more to support the spending — in order to realize the dreams given to us by advertising and a consumerist society.
It’s good for the economy but bad for the individual. We end up in an endless cycle of spending and debt and working more and more, and end up with lives filled with goods but empty of meaning and happiness.
It gets to its worst point during the holidays — we become engaged in a consumerist frenzy that frankly scares me sometimes. Debt becomes a huge problem for a lot of people, and for what? So that people can end up with a mass of stuff they don’t need and often don’t really want. Even kids, who love getting gifts more than anyone else, don’t have time to play with all their new toys. They rip through the carefully-wrapped packages, take a quick look at their gift, and then move on to the next present. And here’s the kicker: they already have enough toys and gadgets! My kids have more than any kid should ever have (I didn’t buy all of it, in my shoddy defense), and they’re at the point when they’re really having to dig deep to think of things they want this Christmas. It’s too much.
So what’s the solution? Well the simple solution is to stop spending, to find other ways to give and to celebrate. But often that requires some changing of deeply-held traditions, and some uncomfortable discussions among families and friends. It means agreeing to do things differently, and perhaps being seen as a weirdo for doing so.
It can be done. We just need to realize that this season is not about buying stuff. It’s about celebrating, giving, spending time with family, reflecting, and gratitude.
- Posted on 25 November 2008 in Happiness |
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Comments (64)
Nate Says:
November 25th, 2008, 21:07 pm
Bravo Leo. One of the reasons Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday is because I get to eat a LOT of good food, there isn’t worry about gifts or money, and my family is there. What more could one man ask for?
I’m grateful for you and your blog, you have helped me tremendously this year.
Thank you.
jessica stalley Says:
November 25th, 2008, 21:12 pm
What a timely article, Leo.
Recently my boyfriend and I were having a cash strapped week and in the midst of our panic, he said to me “we’ll have to buy everyone’s christmas presents on the credit card this year”.
I promptly gave him a lecture about a)how much our families love us, b) how they all understand how broke we are after buying our first house, and c) that it’s the thought that counts.
I decided that although I wasn’t prepared to put it all on credit, I do still want to show people I care. I’m making a list of all the things I can make at home myself for cheap.
Top of the list is photo scrapbooks, and we’re also making a customised calender from an online printing place for each family member. At a cost of about ten dollars each, we have kept our spending down while still giving thoughtful presents.
I’ve quit many money-sucking activities lately, including my gym membership, but I’ll never stop sponsoring my world vision sponsor child. By diverting forty measly dollars a month to her I am making her life in the Philippines much better. Thinking about her makes me realise that I have everything I need, and so much more.
I have much to give thatks for, also.
A Dawn Says:
November 25th, 2008, 21:15 pm
We always complain about things we don’t have; however, we never appreciate about what we have. If we can learn how to appreciate everything we have … the world would be a lot friendlier and nicer place to live.
Cheers,
A Dawn Journal
http://www.adawnjournal.com
Chanda Says:
November 25th, 2008, 21:21 pm
Spot-on, Leo! Check out the youtube video on the homepage at http://www.adventconspiracy.org for another take on this topic! Thanks for such an inspiring blog!
-Chanda
Vered - MomGrind Says:
November 25th, 2008, 21:32 pm
Well said. I actually think the one good thing that will come out of the crumbling economy is less spending and less consumerism.
Tabitha (From Single to Married) Says:
November 25th, 2008, 21:34 pm
Perfect for the Thanksgiving holiday. On my blog, I’ve been trying to write at least once a week about something I’m thankful for - I find it to be so helpful in reminding me about what’s important in life.
Andrew R Says:
November 25th, 2008, 21:55 pm
Hey Leo,
I’m grateful to have an extended - blogging - family, in addition to my family, to whom I may bounce ideas off of, ask advice from and enjoy each others company. I think it’s something that I don’t say enough in my life. I always spend time with my parents and my brother, and I constantly let them know how much I appreciate them in my life…. but I don’t know if I let my fellow blog readers and bloggers know that I’m really grateful to have them in my life.
Thanks for the post, it really does help put things into perspective this time of year!
All the Best,
Andrew R
Ryan McLean Says:
November 25th, 2008, 22:16 pm
This is a great post. The holidays is a time for all things. The new year, I believe, is a time for new opportunities
I have Zen Fever! Says:
November 25th, 2008, 23:45 pm
Happy Thanksgiving Leo. Great Post.
Matt Caldwell - 15 Minutes to Riches Says:
November 26th, 2008, 0:07 am
Kudos on mentioning the consumerism problem… it’s really something that we all need to be aware of… otherwise, it can quickly get out of hand. Thanks for another great post, Leo!
Ann-Marie Says:
November 26th, 2008, 0:41 am
Hey Leo
I’m a Primary school teacher and I’m really big on instilling the notion of gratitude in the 12 and 13 year olds that I teach. At the end of each day, they fill in their ‘Gratitude Journal’ - where they list 3 things from that day that they’re grateful for and 2 things they’re proud of. That way - they learn to value all the many blessings in their lives, the importance of gratitude and as an added bonus - their day ends on a positive note!
My fav personal moment of gratitude each year comes on my birthday when I always send my mum a big bunch of flowers with a card saying ‘thanks for having me’ - what more important reason to be grateful is there?! :o)
Don Says:
November 26th, 2008, 2:32 am
HI,
You are right on point. How many times have you heard someone say that the holiday spending is ridiculous. Yet we all fall into the trap every year.
All of the holidays have deep rooted traditions that have been morphed into something that they were never meant to be. Take Easter and Halloween. A candy company bonanza. Everything has become too commercial if you ask me.
I think establishing simple family traditions are the best way to appreciate the holiday season. Cookie baking at grandma’s, building gingerbread houses, ect.. These are the memories that our children will have. Not the countless gifts that they will forget about before Valentines day.
Leo. Thanks for the gift of this blog. I know that I gain wisdom from it and I know by its following that many others do as well.
Here is my gift to you, Leo. I pledge to tell at least 5 of my friend about zenhabits. I challenge everyone else to do the same. Let us take the zenhabit nation to 100,000 subscribers. This will be the best gift that we could give for these thoughtful and encouraging post.
Holiday blessings to all.
Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) Says:
November 26th, 2008, 3:14 am
I think this year more than any other is a great time to remember what’s really important!
Vincent Says:
November 26th, 2008, 4:32 am
This is really a good time to sit down and reflect and do something pleasant for your love ones. Yes, show gratitude too!
Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger
Valeria | TimelessLessons Says:
November 26th, 2008, 5:13 am
Thought provoking. You are absolutely right how a bit of gratitude can transform a negative feeling into a positive one. It is easy to forget in our current society how many things we have to be grateful for.
Eva Says:
November 26th, 2008, 6:01 am
i’d like to thank the zen habits community for being so supportive. it really means alot to me … and to leo.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Michael | Go Success Now Says:
November 26th, 2008, 7:21 am
Gratitude is one of the steps to achieve the goal. You must be thankful for what you already have. Be grateful even for small things.
I am thankful for my family, girlfriend, relatives, friends. I am thankful for being healthy and everything else i have, the home, the business, the blog and many others.
Thanks for Zen Habits.
Dave Says:
November 26th, 2008, 8:10 am
Great article. Personally, I would like the phrase/question “Have you finished your christmas shopping yet?” permanently abolished.
The Daily Click Says:
November 26th, 2008, 8:57 am
What am I grateful for, Zen habits.
I discovered your blog earlier on this year and although at times I may not agree with your point of view, which is good, I have found so much wisdom and motivation from your writings. Your honesty and the whole way you tackle life, from work to familly, comes across in every post you write. Keep up the brilliant work.
Kelly Says:
November 26th, 2008, 9:35 am
I have so many things to be thankful for this year - last year this time I had cancer - now I am healthy and happy.
I also am very thankful for the roof over my family’s head and the food we have to eat - in these tough economic times the blessings we have been given are showing through with a new sense of brilliance.
The gift giving part of this season has been pared down dramatically this year - driven by the economy sure but we also have agreed to continue to simplify our lives even when the economy turns around. We learned much about ourselves and our real needs these past few months.
The holidays shouldn’t be about the “stuff” but the people in your life
Lee Ann/Living Introverted Says:
November 26th, 2008, 10:06 am
The best things in life aren’t things…
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
MV Says:
November 26th, 2008, 10:27 am
My entire life is an aquarium of thanks - which I owe mostly to my litle girl, who has taught me (in her mere seven years of life so far) why I should be thankful for…everything :)
*It was nice to see you and your family at the wedding, Leo! We’re glad the new Mrs. Tang told us about your blog.*
Margi Says:
November 26th, 2008, 10:50 am
Another excellent post and excellent reminder. I began a “month of thanks” on my personal blog 14 days ago and I’m still coming up with things I’m thankful for. I also wrote a post about what we’d like for Christmas this year - and that’s for our family and friends to involve themselves somehow in their community. I suggested volunteering, donating time, money, skills, or unneeded items. I provided links to national and international organizations and I also provided a list of organizations that mean the most to me, in case someone wants to contribute as a gift to me. Getting involved in the community is so much more important than a new pair of socks.
I also like the idea of personal gifts, like the photo album mentioned above. It’s always nice to receive gifts, but when you can’t remember who gave you what, it’s not personal enough. We shy away from gift giving for that very reason, along with the “I don’t need more stuff” thought.
Thank you for this post and for a great year of posts. Happy holidays to everyone.
Frugal NYC Says:
November 26th, 2008, 10:59 am
This is a timely and greatly relevant post. Thank you for this Leo, and to the Zen Habits community. The reason I keep coming back is because of the thoughtful posts and the community. I agree with Vered, I also believe this economic downturn will help “some” families think about what is truly important to them. I wrote a post today about How to talk yourself out of any Purchase, I pose some questions that I think many people do not ask themselves before they plunk down the cash or plastic.
Tabita Says:
November 26th, 2008, 12:03 pm
I love this post! It is exactly what people need to hear. It is also nice to know there are others out there thinking along these lines. Gratitude is one of the key ingredients to true happiness. I’m thankful that this Christmas, I’ll be able to spend time with my family in Sweden. This year, I decided to get most of my gifts from Fair Trade companies such as 10,000 Villages. They have beautiful and unique gift ideas for everyone. And even though my wish list includes some “consumeristic” items such as a new camera, it also includes intangible items such as carbon offsets. There are a lot of other options for giving which do not include contribution to the accumulation of “stuff.”
Amanda Says:
November 26th, 2008, 12:09 pm
I am thankful for the gathering of friends and family every year. This year I will be introducing Thanksgiving to a French friend and her Mexican boyfriend. I’m also grateful for snow last Friday in my area which encourages neighbors who decorate their houses for Christmas to do so early. This makes the post-Thanksgiving meal walk even more interesting. Small events, big thanks
Shelly Says:
November 26th, 2008, 12:13 pm
Thank you for this great entry, particularly the section about consumerism. I actually wrote about this a bit in my personal blog, as well.
My husband was laid off on Halloween without warning, which led to us losing 60% of our monthly income. Needless to say, we are focusing on continuing to pay our mortgage and utilities over buying presents. Of course, our friends and family are perfectly understanding and don’t expect gifts, but I can’t tell you how many people have tried to talk to me about holiday shopping, knowing perfectly well that my husband is unemployed, and have responded with honest shock on their faces when I tell them I’m not buying gifts this year. One person responded with “so everyone’s getting coal this year, huh?” — as if I should feel guilty for not buying more stuff for people!
To be honest, I love giving things to my friends because I care about them, and am trying to knit and bake some presents for some of my closest friends and family, but it’s sad how some people don’t think that’s enough. Thankfully, those people aren’t my close friends or family. :)
Rahul Says:
November 26th, 2008, 12:28 pm
Holiday seasons are here. And this is the time for celebrations too. Thanks for all the positive vibes, which happened to me, for giving me the support which has helped me to remain positive and achieve my goals.
Cheers.
Miss Attica Says:
November 26th, 2008, 12:37 pm
I’m grateful for your blog, and sooo much more!
There is a time for everything, and this seems to be a time for reading Zen Habits every day (or at least every day there is an entry)!
Heather Says:
November 26th, 2008, 12:42 pm
Leo-
You are truly blessed. With family, health, and a sense of “enough” you have everything you need.
I am so grateful for finding this site.
Peace,
Heather
Artemis Says:
November 26th, 2008, 12:48 pm
I’m fairly new to Zen Habits, but the things I’ve read have reminded me to make those small steps to improve my life and the lives of those around me.
In the spirit of this post, I think I’d like to add that I’m thankful for my husband, who is celebrating his first official Thanksgiving here stateside. Being a native of England, he and I had to go through the visa and green card process, which caused us to postpone our wedding, at the time, indefinitely.
I’m entirely thankful for my husband, Matt, who was somehow able to sustain and encourage my hope from 6,000 miles away during the process and for my family here in California, who held me up and gave me the strength that would fail me at times.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Leo, and to your family.
Mad Scribbler Says:
November 26th, 2008, 13:01 pm
Sign me up for another reader truly thankful for this Blog! I have made significant in roads into my personal development in the last 1.5 years and have an even more significant journey ahead of me. I am thankful for the gains I made. Also for the connections in to the productivity and personal development world where this blog served as an entry point.
Obviously without the additional support of my family, friends and business associates, the path would obviously be more rocky!
Jonathan Mead Says:
November 26th, 2008, 13:02 pm
What’s funny is that they say spending is good for the economy. But it ends at a certain point when debt is racked up so high. People can’t pay their bills and the economy crumbles. So much for “shop for your country!” Sigh.
I honestly love the holidays. I do my best to look past the consumerism. For me it’s a time to remember what matters most in life, family, giving, love and cherishing what is most important to you.
It’s also even more special for me for a certain reason. My wife and I met on Nov. 8th 2006. That was our first date and we got to know (and fell in love) with each other during the holidays. A year later we ended up marrying in Vegas on Christmas Day (well, Christmas night actually). For this reason this time of the year will always hold a special place in my heart.
Fit Bottomed Girls Says:
November 26th, 2008, 13:13 pm
You’re totally right, Leo. For the past few years my best friend and I have limited our gifts to one another to homemade ones. We’ve done letters and mixed CDs and I cherish those as much, if not more, then any other gifts I receive during the holidays.
I’m very grateful for many things…I’ve found a medium (blog) to express myself and hopefully inspire others to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, I have a great loving husband, dog and family, and I’m healthy. You can’t ask for more.
LifeMadeGreat | Juliet Says:
November 26th, 2008, 14:11 pm
Thank you Leo for all of your posts,
Juliet
Coed Fitness Tips Says:
November 26th, 2008, 14:24 pm
Everyday I see so many un-grateful people, I don’t understand it. I am greatful for everything in my life big and small alike.
Happy Thanksgiving
tzumeister Says:
November 26th, 2008, 16:40 pm
where your attention goes the energy flows
gratitude is simply a matter or altering perspective.
when’s the last time any of US were grateful we could SEE, HEAR, WALK or TALK? just for starters
it’s so easy to overlook the most basic of blessings and seek more, more, more and miss all that has been given.
good work once again Leo!
LT
Successful Living Quotes Says:
November 26th, 2008, 17:03 pm
What do you think about these great quotes about gratitude from Successfullivingquotes.com:
The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.
Oscar Wilde
A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.
Cicero
I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.
G.K. Chesterton
Leo Says:
November 26th, 2008, 17:52 pm
Thank you all for the kind words and for sharing your thoughts on this post — it’s been great waking up on Thanksgiving morning (here on Guam) and reading all the lovely comments!
I am blessed to have all of you in my life.
Mel Menzies Says:
November 26th, 2008, 18:32 pm
Thanks for this Leo. It’s good to know someone out there celebrates CHRISTmas for the right reason. Even my four year old twin grandchildren know it’s Jesus’ birthday.
We give gifts in memory of the greatest gift given to us. This year, my husband and I have decided that our gifts to each other will be cheques to the Cafe and Shop run by volunteers from our church to refurbish their kitchen. As well as providing great grub, fabulous Fair Trade and Tearfund gifts, the shop sends a few thousand pounds every year to charities helping the developing world. Happy Thanksgiving. And happy Christmas to come.
Mel Menzies, author of A Painful Post Mortem
Bryce Raley Says:
November 26th, 2008, 23:18 pm
Great post.
Good point about consumerism from the inside. I feel the same way often.
Happy Thanksgiving and an early Merry Christmas
Donna Reiss Says:
November 26th, 2008, 23:40 pm
Dear Leo, I’m new to your blog so I’m so grateful for having been lead to you by Thea of forward Steps. You are so right on every single point! BRAVO….Not only do you say it but you also walk the walk….
I know because I have personally been on the receiving end of your kindness and I’m a total stranger to you…So when you say things like give in other ways other then just gifts that don’t matter you showed your true color and gave the gift of kindness and generosity…
One of the best gifts, are gifts of the heart, for they are priceless! As you set in motion the Law of attraction and who wouldn’t want to attract more of the wonderful things and acts of kindness we do for others, for as you do to others you do for yourself as we are all one.
Thank you Leo I’m, truly grateful!
Namaste Donna
jas Says:
November 27th, 2008, 3:39 am
I am not a christian,but I think it is a perfect time for everyone to count their blessings& offer gratitude.My list is endless–I offer thanks for my husband,my lovely daughters & my entire extended family, my work which I love,a beautiful house ,lots of friends,good food—–the list is endless .I am also thankful for this blog –with which I identify so much.-Thanks everyone .Thank you to the ever generous universe.
Darryl Young Says:
November 27th, 2008, 5:33 am
Great article, as always, Leo…
I’m a great believer of spending time each day to be grateful. I realised last week that things were getting on top of me a little (work etc) and I was getting a little overwhelmed. To solve this I took a blank piece of paper and a pen and wrote down ALL the things I’m grateful for… I read it through a couple of times and then folded it up and put it in a drawer. That might not work for everyone but for me I felt a lot better.
Keep up the good work, I love reading these.
Parag Shah Says:
November 27th, 2008, 6:25 am
Wonderful post Leo. You are absolutely right. Most of us equate happiness with having more stuff.
But if we step back, we will realize that the things we cherish most are love, interactions, and experiences. Rarely ever material things we own.
–
Thanks
MizFit Says:
November 27th, 2008, 7:31 am
Amen to everything you said.
Im beyond thankful today for everything I have. For my family, my health, my friends, doingwhatIloveeventhoughthemoneymayneverfollow, EVERYTHING.
Im off to spend my morning paying it forward & then the afternoon being PRESENT with my loved ones.
Carla
Sarah Says:
November 27th, 2008, 12:01 pm
Thanks Leo! I love your blog! As I was feeling stressed that my pay cheque today has to go to all my bills, I decided, instead, to stop and revel in the abundance of having a pay cheque that allows me a place to live and phone and internet that allows me to converse with my loved ones!
Banji - LessonInLife Says:
November 27th, 2008, 16:09 pm
No.. Thank you
I know that this will be a repeat of the comment above, but I still think you deserve one personally from me.
Thank you Leo for all your hard work and the blog. I can very well say that you are an inspiration.
Barb Chamberlain Says:
November 27th, 2008, 23:10 pm
No less true for having been said by others–no need to apologize. These are messages that always bear repeating.
Now that my daughters are teenagers and can understand that I really mean it when I say I don’t need “stuff” as a gift, I suggest that they donate to a cause that we both believe in instead of buying me something for my birthday.
I want to instill that habit of giving, even though they may feel they don’t have much. Being generous with time or money makes each of us “richer” in the ways that really count.
dr aletta Says:
November 28th, 2008, 9:15 am
“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” ~Epictetus, Greek philosopher and wise guy
Luis H Says:
November 28th, 2008, 13:18 pm
Leo,
I want to thank you because with your blog I have realized so many things that life give to me and I should be thankful, my family, my friends, all the people that I love and is close to me. This is my first chritmas that I will give a non-material gift, instead is a gift of love and emotions that I know my family will like, thank you again Leo!, wish you the best, God Bless you!
LUis H
tigerbee Says:
November 28th, 2008, 15:40 pm
Thanks for another great post. I find it disheartening that as soon as people say they are thankful for all they have the very next day they are out en masse buying more. Is that really being thankful and appreciative of what you have? I hope the message of not buying into consumerism one day becomes a trend, it seems the only way people “buy into” things anymore is if it’s trendy.
Maura Says:
November 28th, 2008, 19:35 pm
May the “holiday spirit” pervade our lives throughout the year. Generosity, kindness, good will towards all, and gratitude for our blessings great and small.
Namaste.
Vanessa Says:
November 29th, 2008, 14:41 pm
Hi, Leo! I’m don’t know how I arrived here in your blog, but I became a fan! Thanks for all your post, it’s good realized that there are many people trying to became better.
Best wishes from Brazil!
Vanessa
Rose Garden Says:
November 29th, 2008, 14:44 pm
Yesterday I was dismayed to read an article about the Dalai Lama saying rrecently that sex and relationships cause inclarity of mind and conflict, that attachment causes suffering. Of course, most people who have been part of a couple, or a close relationship of any kind, know this to be inevitably true. But does not the lotus grow out of the mud?
Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha finds enlightenment through the pain of love, as he releases his son to journey away from him to find his own path in life; a son that he would not have had but for his lover Kamala and the earthly pleasures which they shared, a woman Siddhartha would not have met and eventually loved if he had not left behind his own father and the Brahmin life he had been reared to live.
Difficult as it can be, I am grateful for the mud in my life, the messy, difficult, confusing, hurtful, lonely and trying times that provide rich soil from which to grow.
I am grateful for the sunshine and rain we’ve had this weekend which warm, wash and nourish my soul, for the seeds planted last winter that have begun to stir and take hold from the root, to reach upward towards the light…
And I am grateful for the coming of the new year, and the hope and promise of the flowers it may bring.
David Says:
November 29th, 2008, 15:26 pm
It was ‘Black Friday’ here in the US just yesterday. The busiest shopping (consumerism) day in this nation. I happily stayed home with my incredible bride-to-be and enjoyed a beautiful sunny day in NE Florida. Cheers!
David | http://www.barefootrunner.com
Dee Says:
November 30th, 2008, 10:34 am
Wonderful article with many inspiring points, even for a Brit [so no Thanksgiving] and a Noachide [so no Christmas, just over half a dozen festivals and two birthdays most years ;)]
Noel C. Says:
December 2nd, 2008, 20:43 pm
This is so great, thank you Leo. I have been teaching my kids, who are very young, that things are just things, but what really matters is each other (all people). There are so many times this past year that I have opened my daily zen habits, read it, and said “someone else gets it!”. And I see so many others do also.
Thank you for your inspirational, honest, sincere, and thoughtful blog.
Noel
dita. Says:
December 3rd, 2008, 22:15 pm
THANK YOU.
This is such a time sensitive,appropriate article for these days. I agree with you that gifts does not have to be things. Most of the time the most precious gifts don’t cost money and we do forget that. When your child overhears how precious he is to you, when your wife feels your deep respect and love from your actions and attitude, when your parents know that you are there for them - these are all gifts
Moses Moses Says:
December 26th, 2008, 9:22 am
Your “A Time for Gratitude” article was good, but everything in it is very obvious.
What you are saying in this article in hundreds of words can be written in a few sentences and the same principle of gratitude has been talked about for thousands of years..it’s not something new. Maybe your article should be named “A reminder of the importance of gratitude in case you forgot”.
This is purely my opinion but sometimes you can beat around the bush a lot to get to a very simple point.
Cheers and Happy New Year 09
Trackbacks (6)
- lemonlimetree.org » Blog Archive » Bravo, indeed.
- A Time for Gratitude | cheerfulliving
- Our M and J Show » Blog Archive » A month of thanks - day 15
- Beth Patterson : Part 3 on giving redefined: Think it over
- A Time For Gratitude « MattAndJojang’s Blog
- Gobble Gobble Cluck Cluck Gobble Gobble! « Choosing Losing!
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