By Patrick Robinson

I want you to think about the nature of gratitude.

Not just the simple pleasantries of Thank You and You're Welcome (or as you tend to hear a little too often.."no problem"). What I am interested in is the effect gratitude has. It's human nature to minimize what someone else does for you, and for you to over estimate what you do for others. That's just how it normally works. So.. you have to forgive those who don't see your acts of kindness or thoughtfulness in the light you do.

But with that in mind, please think about why we respect courtesy, gentility, and personal awareness.

They all represent a way of giving back to ourselves through an outward act. When you hold a door for someone, or pick up a dropped hat, or tuck a child in at night, each of those moments is part of you reaffirming you are worthy, you are giving, you are kind. If others don't acknowledge it. That's ok. That's not why you do it anyway. It's not a balance sheet.

So, this Thanksgiving I'm asking you to be grateful for your life and the many opportunities you have to look out for someone, show them you care and be the great person you are.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.