Changing Your Thanksgiving Chair
Life Coach Advice
You can change your life by simple changing the seat that you
look at your life from. Thanksgiving taught me this as a child.
Growing up in Manhattan was an obstacle course of speed,
traffic, hustle and bustle. It was an exciting place with tons
of energy. The abundance of energy pointed in a billion
different directions and you could often feel alone in your
individual pursuits.
Then came the magical time of Thanksgiving where the city
transformed.
As the days grew closer the excitement could be felt in the air.
People seemed warmer, nicer, and though the pace remained fast,
it seemed to slow down. The stranger smiled as he pushed you out
of his way. The cabby honked at you but left out the crass
comment, and you knew things were different.
Walking down Central Park, No Parking Wednesday and Thursday
signs were posted about and the benches and barricades were
dropped off in piles along the sidewalk. The cold air was just
starting to find its way in and the city smelt fresh and clean.
Then came Wednesday and it seemed that everyone was on the same
mission. The energy, instead of being pointed in a billion
different directions, had a common purpose. You felt a
connection, a bond, as everyone did smile and the pushes and
shoves changed to helping hands. The smiles were everywhere and
everyone wished you well on your holidays. You couldn't help but
feel excited and happy.
The city changed into a town. It felt like Anywhere, U.S.A.
where you knew everyone and everyone knew you. Living on the
Upper West Side, Wednesday night was a special time when the
parade balloons were blown up all night along side the Museum of
Natural History. Traffic was gone and the people took to the
streets. The shops sold hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks and
you would clasps your hands around the cup for warmth. Then you
could get a peek at the magnificent balloons and everyone was
one big family.
Early the next morning I'd be out walking the dog; Central Park
would be empty and quite. In just a few hours millions would
poor into the city as the nation gathered to see the magnificent
Macy's parade. But in those early morning hours the world felt
completely at peace to me. I felt the goodness of the hearts of
my neighbors and I felt safe.
Then the parade and crowds did roll through and it was a
celebration like no other with children perched atop their
parents' shoulder clapping and gasping with amazement at the
passing parade. We showed appreciation for all the high school
bands from all over the country. Then we cheered for the all the
familiar characters that brought us so many moments of laughter
and joy.
After we celebrated as a city and as a nation, it was family
time. Time to gather and sneak a few bites of stuffing before
the long awaited meal was served. What a time to feel good and
appreciate being with each other. A time to give thanks! It was
a feeling I learned well and one that has always stayed with me.
The question I have for you is, what really changes during
Thanksgiving? Did the people really change? Did the city really
become a town? What was the event that changed?
When working with clients I often perform the following
exercise. I ask them to move from chair to chair in my office
and take a look at the room, finally retuning to the original
position. Then I ask, "From each chair the room looked
different, didn't it?" The answer is always, "Yes." Next I ask,
"Did anything really physically change in the room?" The answer
always being, "No." The point being that nothing in life really
has to change for you to enjoy it, other than the point of view
you choose to take. What chair do you want to look at your life
from, the chair of have nots and disappointment, or the chair of
opportunities, appreciation and gratitude?
Change your point of view and you change your life. What changed
the city into a town was everyone taking on the same point of
view. When large groups take on the same point of view, whether
negative or positive, you feel the common energy. What
transforms Thanksgiving is the abundance of positive energy and
you can feel it in your bones.
It is time for all of us to change our attitudes!
Did you know that the Macy's parade was not started by Macy's?
The employees of Macy's were once made up mostly of immigrants
who were truly appreciative of their lives and opportunities
here in the United States. All from different backgrounds,
countries and religions, they gathered at 125th Street dressed
as clowns and other costumes carrying balloons. They marched in
celebration and gratitude to Macy's on 34th Street. 250,000
people came out to watch them and be part of the celebration of
life itself.
It was such a success that Macy's fully got behind it the
following year and it has been part of our tradition ever since.
That was back in 1927. It's amazing how we can affect the world
with our individual initiative and actions. Yes, you can also
affect your life with the actions you take. We do not need a
specific holiday such as Thanksgiving to be positive and come
together. The Pilgrims did so whenever the occasion called for
it.
We are here and living freely as we do so tell yourself every
day, "I'm having a great day!" That means "I want to do my best
everyday and look at life from the chair of opportunities and
appreciation!"
"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent
of all the others.' -Cicero
Change the seat you look at your life this Thanksgiving. It's
simple; get up and sit in a different chair and think about all
the blessings and opportunities you have in your life and be
thankful.