Mary Schmidt Marketing Troubleshooter

I’m going off the biz blog clock early this week to enjoy the four-day holiday. Happy Thanskgiving!

I’m incredibly lucky..and most of the time I know it. Of course, being human, I have my whiney, irrational petty times. That’s why it’s important for me to keep in mind my “thanksgiving list” all year round - not just when I’m sitting at a groaning dinner table, wine glass in hand. So, here’s my list. Feel free to use it as the springboard for your own list.

I’m thankful for all those crazy innovators, inventors and scientists who did what people told them couldn’t (or shouldn’t) be done. Wheels, the printing press, lightbulbs, internal combustion, fermentation (”Heyyyy, this tastes good!”), telephones, airplanes…the Declaration of Independence…the list goes on. Sure, we’ve got a lot of problems but we’ve also got a lot of people capable of solving those problems. Example: Alternative energy.

I’m thankful I can (usually) pull my head out of my - um - navel and at least acknowledge other ideas and perspectives.

I’m thankful I can appreciate the little things - most of which are absolutely free for our enjoyment. (Right now, as I type this, I can look out my office window at a gorgeous, bright blue sky…with one silly little cloud drifting over the mountains.)

I’m thankful for my clients - not just because they pay me - but because they’re fun and smart. And, we’ve got mutual respect even when we disagree. Making money can be pretty easy - making long-lasting relationships not so much. (I just got an email from a former/future client and always friend that said “…I usually spend a part of that day going over all the things and people I am thankful for. You are always on my list.” Made my day!)

I’m thankful for my friends, who love me even when I’m being not-so-lovable.

I’m thankful that - despite how godawful yesterday may have been - today brings new opportunity.

I’m thankful for the examples my parents set for me - for hard work, taking wild leaps, and not giving up.

I’m thankful I can choose to change things in my life. I don’t have to hold that grudge, obsess about real and imagined wrongs…or eat that third second piece of pie…I can choose to forgive, be happy…and to exercise. (and just so you know I’ve not gone totally nauseatingly sappy about all this, remember, “Living well is the best revenge.” Heh.)

I’m thankful that I live in New Mexico. It’s in my heart and soul. It’s where I belong.

I’m thankful there are still people who will speak truth to power, even when it’s very dangerous to do so.

I’m thankful there are people who will put themselves in harm’s way for others.

I’m thankful there are people who just will not give up - even when the cause seems hopeless.

Happy Thanksgiving! “See” you next week.