{"id":1054,"date":"2013-11-26T18:44:58","date_gmt":"2013-11-26T18:44:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/vhfinancialmanagement.com\/?p=1054"},"modified":"2013-11-26T18:44:58","modified_gmt":"2013-11-26T18:44:58","slug":"being-thankful-2013","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vhfinancialmanagement.com\/2013\/11\/26\/being-thankful-2013","title":{"rendered":"Being Thankful 2013"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Have you noticed a shift in our culture?\u00a0 Doesn\u2019t it seem we are developing a culture of conflict and debate? Maybe every generation can say the same, but it feels as if we are spending more and more time arguing and debating than working together towards a common goal.<\/p>\n

Turn on a news network and you\u2019ll hear one person verbally bashing another.\u00a0\u00a0 Flip the channel and you\u2019ll hear the other side of the debate from the opposite perspective. It\u2019s not just a political issue either.\u00a0 Pro sports teams are dealing with bullying. Criminals attempt to justify their behavior, and every time you turn around celebrities are throwing some sort of tantrum.<\/p>\n

While we are fortunate to live in a country that allows debate and the freedom of speech, our debate has become one of disrespect and disregard for the person on the receiving end. I think back to high school debate and the idea of debating a topic. Common rules meant you had to agree on a starting point to fairly debate.\u00a0 Today we debate without regard to any common ground\u2026.sounds more like boxing.<\/p>\n

I recently read a posting on Facebook surmising that a relationship isn\u2019t 50\/50\u2026.but a relationship needs to be 100\/100 and each person needs to bring 100% to the table to make it work. This really struck a chord with me.\u00a0 It illuminated my feeling that in today\u2019s day and age it\u2019s simply easier to be angry and combative than it is to be kind and grateful.<\/p>\n

Last weekend in Mass, one of my favorite priest was preaching on a reflection he recently came across. The story is based on a man having a conversation with God.\u00a0 The man asks God to bring him happiness. God replies. \u201cNo, I bring you blessings. Happiness is up to you.\u201d\u00a0 While just one piece of the conversation in the reflection, it really grabbed me.<\/p>\n

Maybe we are sometimes blind to our blessings. Happiness is a choice\u2026.and I can say it is not always an easy choice. \u00a0If we are open to realize our blessings we are more apt to choose happiness, and this time of year is all about being thankful and counting our blessings.<\/p>\n

If you are reading this, I am grateful for you. I am grateful for my family and friends, and I am very fortunate to work with wonderful clients doing something I am very passionate about: helping others financially.<\/p>\n

Maybe you feel you are doing your part in a 50\/50 relationship, but I would encourage you to step it up.\u00a0 Double your efforts and give 100%.\u00a0 Count your blessings this holiday season and be thankful for all you do have, especially for those around you.<\/p>\n

If you still can\u2019t find anything to thankful for, remember one of Zig Ziglar\u2019s quotes, \u201cEveryday is a good day. If you don\u2019t believe me, just try missing one!\u201d<\/p>\n

Happy Holidays!<\/p>\n

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