Compassion begets gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving!

There are so many multitudes of joyful people and things in life to be grateful about and yet, as I write this, I am so very distracted.

My intention for the past several weeks leading up to this issue was to write a lovely and positive editorial about thankfulness. A lyrical composition that would prompt my readers to dig deep into their souls, feel the compassion that is innately available for all of us and in turn light the candle of gratitude in us all.

And yet, here I am, thoroughly distracted by the actions of others, which of course, is completely out of my control and truly none of my business.

It is an interesting and frustrating conundrum that I’ve often dealt with in my personal life.

If you have been reading my editorials, it’s most likely that you’ve noticed -I hope, a common theme. It’s a concept I try to live by every single day. It is called compassion.

Even when I’m ranting about the doings of another person or group of people, I do not rant to belittle them or to ridicule them, no, it’s because I personally feel that they are not acting in a compassionate way. Kindness lived and shared with others can only create more joy in life for everyone.

I believe that the reason I was created was to promote empathy and compassion towards all beings and therefore bring joy into the world. In that regard, I will do everything I can to push the buttons of whomever and whatever I need to promote the compassion and empathy that is blocking the joy and gratitude that we as humans thrive on.

Oh, please don’t misunderstand, I am entirely human; I often make the most idiotic mistakes, unexpectedly say the most inappropriate things or just have a difficult time finding the good in others, when in my heart I really do know better. I am human after all… we are all human, and we are all balancing the tight rope of right and wrong every moment of every day.

This week, the week of Thanksgiving, I ask that everyone, no matter who you are or what your job is, look deep within yourself to find compassion and empathy for all beings. I’m not saying that you need to forgive your neighbor of murder or suddenly become a vegan. I’m only suggesting that EVERYONE, individuals and businesses alike, might actually benefit from putting themselves in their neighbors’ shoes for a change, taking the effort to be authentically friendly and finding not just the compassion within yourself but in all others. Think of it as your key to joy. And when you are joyful you are also thankful.