365 Thank Yous is the name of the book. The back cover describes it as an “inspiring, true story about how a simple, old-fashioned act – writing thank-you notes – led a hopeless, angry, middle-aged man out of despair and into a wonderful life.” The author began to put others first in his life and found joy in sharing, and receiving, gratitude.
Putting others first does not mean sacrificing one’s own dreams and desires. In the Outfluence vernacular putting others first means to be aware of the needs of the other living things in your life and to act thoughtfully toward them.
A Baltimore radio icon is most likely celebrating his final Thanksgiving with his family this week. He is battling an insidious form of cancer. He has received hundreds, maybe thousands, of “thank you” notes from his listeners. As he said, “I don’t fear death. I’m just not ready to go yet.” Imagine, though, how wonderful the feeling of knowing the impact he has had on so many lives.
A community of rabid college football fans discovers evil in the program. One of their revered coaches has been accused of molesting young boys, possibly for decades. No one in the college community stood up for the boys, despite having knowledge of the evil preying on them. Finally, someone did speak out and started a torrent of activity in support of the boys. Investigations are under way, jobs have been terminated, people have been arrested. But good is winning out over evil as at least one nonprofit organization forms and raises hundreds of thousands of dollars in its first few weeks in support of programs to assist victims of molestation. Others have created programs of awareness. Others still are speaking out about child abuse and delivering the silent message to the boys that your community cares and wants to do something to rid itself and the world of this evil. We all say to the courageous leaders who are stepping forward to respond to evil: thank you.
A high school administrator told me this week that she wants business leaders to ignite the desire to learn and to make learning even more exciting for her students than it already is. Students want to see a path to their future or they will drop out of school. This school administrator is coordinating a county-wide innovative program whose goal is to connect classroom instruction with real-world situations and workforce-relevant skills. There is a lot to be thankful for in this community . . . thoughtful administrators, teachers, parents, business leaders, and students.
Thanksgiving 2011 comes at a time of great turmoil and change in all of our lives, yet we still have much to be thankful for. It’s comforting to see people remembering old friends, fighting for goodness, and moving forward. To all I say thank you, and Happy Thanksgiving.
