Okay…it’s Thanksgiving once again.
Plans for turkey, travel and thanks and giving can be heard in passing conversations…
But let me ask you a question…
How truly “grateful” are you for the ordinary?
Unfortunate as it is, as humans, we get caught up in the doing versus the being and often overlook the supreme gifts of the obvious…
• How about being able to gulp and enjoy a cool glass of water?
• The freedom of using your body to get from place to place without assistance or equipment?
• How about being able to speak any words, especially the words, “I love you”?
• Enjoying the simple act of eating and swallowing to ease the pain of hunger?

Unless you’ve spent a little time in a hospice facility lately, we can’t appreciate the gifts of health and freedom. We hear it all too often that if you have your “health” you have it all, and I painfully know how true this statement is. My wish for you is that in this moment you celebrate these extraordinary but simple gifts, especially today. Until we’ve lost them, or see someone we love who have lost them, we can’t fully embrace the true “presents” that they are. What are you especially grateful for this Thanksgiving?

Today was the opening day of our local Farmers Market. I got there fairly early and was delighted to see the early morning hustle and bustle of local entrepreneurs eager to profile their fresh veggies, breads, flowers, honey and other goodies.

Familiar faces were there walking through the booths with coffee in hand. There was energy around the movement as this real “community” lives.

During the winter months, the only way we were connected was by email or a simple blog. What was most interesting was the way we connected after communicating electronically since October of last year.

One of my favorite booths is owned and operated by an adorable Laotian family.  The little ladies there simply sparkle with joy as they arrange their fresh vegetables on display.  The most powerful connection is in using few words.  They know how to say “hello” and okay” with ease.  But if you really want to get a strong connection, try saying “thank you” in THEIR language.  It is the most joyful reaction I’ve ever seen!

As I walked toward their booth after months of not seeing them, I waived and they nodded… and then I said “thank you” back to them in their Laotian language…causing them to  begin waiving wildly and smile widely!  They were visibly delighted…all because of one little word…with a special “twist”…having it THEIR way.

How many ways can you say thank you today to your clients, customers, friends and family? 

Tom Peters said “Never underestimate the power of the tiniest personal touch”, and as usual, he is so right.  The power of human connection continues to be the magic that bridges relationships and often is the key to successful entrepreneurships…no matter what you are selling!

Bio: Terri Murphy is an author, speaker, e-communication consultant, and author of 5 books, including her latest with Donald Trump. She is the founder and Pres. of WomensWisdomNetwork.com and serves as CIO of U. S. Learning in Memphis and one of NAR’s GAME CHANGER 2010 Coaches. visit www.TerriMurphy.com or email: Terri@TerriMurphy.com

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