Gratitude, the meaning, the mindset, the month.
As many of us begin to think of the holidays and family, I'd like to reflect on what gratitude actually means. Gratitude is one of those words I can spell, and use intelligently; however, what is the exact definition and what does it mean to me? The definition of gratitude is the feeling of being grateful.
It's easy for me to be grateful when my life is going how I think it should go, but throw some adversity at me and all of a sudden I start to forget about gratitude. So I thought it helpful to come up with a simple definition of gratitude: Being appreciative for what I have, no matter what it is.
One of my dearest friends had to have surgery on her shoulder and I jumped at the opportunity to help her out. This was a new experience for me, likely due to how my perspective around gratitude is changing. In the past I would have viewed this as an incredible chore, but this time I truly appreciated the opportunity to help her and spend time together. (That said, I doubt I could ever be grateful for taking someone else's garbage out when I personally loathe doing it for myself!) What really sparked the change in perspective was my own personal growth. I made a conscious decision to evolve, part of that was realizing a desire to give back. Without this, life is a never ending quest for purpose.
I have an immense amount of gratitude about being on the board for the Oakland Ballet Company. And I mean this in a “grateful for what I have the opportunity to do,” versus, “grateful because my life rocks” type of feeling of gratitude.
The selflessness of my fellow board members, the artistic director, Graham Lustig, Leah in the office, and the dancers of course, is to be emulated and I am truly grateful to be associated with these people.
The arts need support and if any of you are feeling especially grateful for the memories the arts have given you over the years perhaps you would like to make a small donation to the Oakland Ballet in order to insure your family, friends, and everyone has the opportunity to be grateful for a wonderful holiday memory.
Donations to the OBC go to support our numerous community outreach programs that bring the arts to those that normally would not have the opportunity to be exposed to the arts.
You can buy tickets to Graham Lustig’s “The Nutcracker,” or make a donation to the Oakland Ballet Company through our website. www.oaklandballet.org.
I am also giving away a free pair of tickets. To enter just like my Facebook Page and two winners will be chosen at random.
This month I am going to try to feel gratitude towards everything. It seems trite, but every experience I have, good or difficult, is beneficial. I am grateful to be working in an industry that I am passionate about. I love real estate and making the experience of buying or selling a house a good one for my clients. I am also grateful that I have amazing clients. People in the Bay Area, and those who are looking to move here, are the smartest, most progressive people in the world. And I get to work with the best of the best, for which I am grateful!
Happy Thanksgiving,
America
If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts please comment here or contact me through my website www.americasells.com.