About this ongoing post...

Appreciation and gratitude cover a lot of ground. In my life and in my work gratitude and appreciation help develop self-mastery, transform marriages, reduce stress, improve parenting, increase happiness and develop a sense of well-being.

Our friend and neighbor, Rachelle Upwall, recommended listing one thing a day we were grateful for as a prelude to Thanksgiving. Great idea!

What are YOU grateful for today?

Nov 1st, #1:

Since my wife is 1st I'll start there. To
my wife,
Kara, this morning I wrote on her Facebook wall: "I was just looking at pictures you've posted here of our family... having a 'moment'... and loving you so much for the family you've made for me. I love you and our kids forever."

What are YOU grateful for today?

Nov 2nd, #2:

I am thankful that
"Everything's Amazing
and Nobody's Happy"
Funny and so true.

Nov 3rd, #3:

I am thankful for my
Treasures
(Adam, Emily, Molly and Matthew).

Nov 4th, #4:

I am grateful today for my

courageous clients

: The odds-defiers, the chain-breakers, the marriage transformers, the destiny creators. These brave and wise souls take full ownership of their lives and reject the shackles of history, ignorance, despair and habit. I am grateful that I am inspired daily by these dear people who let me into their lives and witness such beautiful and powerful change.

Nov 5th, #5:

I am thankful today for

opportunities

. What kind? You name it: Opportunities... afforded by living in a free country; to work; to learn from mistakes; to learn from intelligent, compassionate and wise people; to better myself; to provide for my family—both their physical and emotional needs; to serve; to be served; to stand up for others; to be kind; to practice my faith; to learn from other faiths; and many more.

Nov 6th, #6:

I am grateful for a lawn to mow and
a home
to live in.

Nov 7th, #7:

I am grateful for the inspired, creative author who penned the words below that centuries later still stir my soul and remind me to be at peace. I am grateful for the skilled composer who created the melody that so perfectly was used to convey the words. I am grateful for the talented singers who bring it all to life.

Hymn: Be Still, My Soul
Author: Written by Katharina von Schlegel in 1752
Tune: The Finlandia Hymn, composed by Jean Sibelius in 1899 and 1900
Singers: Libera Boys Choir

Be still my soul - the Lord is on thy side;
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
leave to thy God to order and provide;
in every change - he faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul - thy best thy heavenly Friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still my soul - when dearest friends depart,
and all is darkened in the vale of tears,

then shalt thou better know his love - his heart,
who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul - the waves and winds still know
his voice who ruled them - while he dwelt below.

Be still my soul the hour is hastening on
when we shall be forever with the Lord,
when disappointment - grief and fear are gone,
sorrow forgot - love's purest joys restored,.

Be still my soul - when change and tears are past,
all safe and blessed - we shall meet at last.

Nov 8th, #8:

I am grateful for
THE best chicken pot pie on the planet!
OMY! (oh my yum!) Surrounded by my awesome family and our dear friend.

Nov 9th, #9

I am grateful for incredibly
silly and brilliant people
who have dedicated their lives to making people laugh. What a great thing. One person in particular I'm grateful for is John Cleese and the Monty Python crew. I submit for your viewing pleasure The Minisitry of Silly Walks sketch:

Nov 10th, #10:

I am thankful for
veterans.
Last night, in honor of Veteran's Day this week, our Young Men's group went to the homes of two different veterans in our neighborhood and listened to their stories of service as young men in WWII and the Vietnam War. Impressive stories by impressive men. Our freedoms come at a high price. Veteran's Day is tomorrow. Take some time to express your gratitude openly.

Today, Nov 11th on Veteran's Day I'm thankful for the veterans I know personally:

My dad: George S. Miller, Army, Vietnam
My brother Benjamin J. Sherman, Air Force
My father-in-law: Warner B. Poppleton, Navy
My friend: Rod Morgan, Army, Korea
My friend and colleague: Jason Williams, National Guard, Iraq
My neighbors:
- Josh Grace, WWII
- Ron Smith, WWII
- Lamar Cox, Vietnam
- Col. Matt Price, National Guard (Iraq 2x)
- My former neighbors:
  - David Bertele, Marines
  - Phillip Bertele, National Guard (?)
  - My ancestor: General William Tecumsah Sherman (Civil War)
  - Numerous clients I can't name due to confidentiality.

And I'm thankful for the many, many, many more veterans I don't know.

Thank you all!!!

What are YOU grateful for today? Please share in the comments below...