Every year at Thanksgiving, I pause (just for a fleeting moment) to reflect on the past year of my life and the people whom I interacted with. This year, I thought I would take longer than a "fleeting moment" to really express my thoughts on what I am thankful for. As the holiday season is fast approaching us, we often don't take a true moment to pause on what we really should be thankful for. Yes, it is easy and simple to say..."I am thankful for my and my family's health" or that "I am thankful for the success in our business" and in our "personal lives". But are we really truly appreciative to the people that help us or mentor us along the way or even for that matter to ourselves.Nowadays, it's too easy to text, email, Skype, etc with our relationships. We do this because it is easier, more convenient, or seem non-intrusive. But these forms of communication can often fail to appreciate what we both really have to "say" or "mean". I truly think in some ways we have regressed on how we communicate with each other and have gotten lost in our ways. It actually seems harder these days to make the time to call or even see that person and really appreciate what they are thinking or saying. Technology often makes us into slaves versus being the "natural explorer" we humans really are or can be when we personally interact with someone on a one-on-one basis. Personally, this has been a very interesting year for me. When I think I truly know myself, I reflect on the relationships whom I interact with on a daily basis such as clients, architects, designers, business partners, co-workers, friends, and my family - that all have a tremendous affect on what "I do" and "what I say" and "how I act". I am thankful for all of my relations no matter how challenging, testing, or controversial conversations can be. It has taken me way to long to think (longer than I care too admit!) and realize what "gifts" you can learn from any kind of meeting or relationship with someone. No matter what the outcome can be from these shared moments with people, the key is.... to build upon the items that benefit the relationship and leave behind what does not.I am grateful for the people I have met in my journey of life thus far... those who I have collaborated with, traveled with, studied with, and leisured with, and of course to my wife and two sons. They all have enriched my knowledge and spiritualness of my life and yet, I still know I have a long way to go to ever say or know that I am complete.A true measure of our wealth is the legacy we leave behind with our relationships. I am thankful for all of my relationships and what can become beautiful gifts and all the rewarding experiences from them.Wishing you and your family a very bountiful and thankful Thanksgiving holiday!Cheers!
