Keith JonesDecember 22, 2015

My mom taught me many valuable lessons as a kid. One of them was to always be grateful and show gratitude. She always acknowledged family and friends who made big and small contributions to our lives. She never took anyone for granted. I learned from her example.

I was fortunate to grow up in a neighborhood where my friends’ parents were cut from the same cloth as my mom. From the day I was born to age 18, most of the adults in my life were walking embodiments of gratitude. After the word “momma”, I think “thank you” were the next two words I spoke.

As an adult in my mid-forties, I am grateful in a different way than I was earlier in life. Today I appreciate every single person, experience and opportunity. Even in the most challenging situations, I focus on being thankful. I have met some incredible people in my life. Some have moved on. I feel blessed to have known them and appreciate the many ways they blessed my life. And for my friends who I remain lovingly connected to, I am grateful daily for the continued grace, support and unconditional love they give to me.

Being grateful is a choice. Join me in choosing gratitude as your “goto” way of being, no matter how life shows up. And let everyone, past and present, know how much you appreciate them.

Thank you, Keith