By Jeff Hall
At this time of year, we are supposed to give thanks.
But let’s not think of giving thanks as something we are “supposed” to do.
Let’s think of it as something we GET to do.
We live in Brentwood. Others live in places like Syria or Venezuela or Hong Kong.
So right away, we need to count our blessings.
In the coming month, pay attention to those who provide services you depend on – and that you might take for granted.
How about our gardeners, house cleaners, construction workers and other domestic servants who make our daily lives better?
Thank them. Give them a tip if you can afford it.
How about our police and fire department personnel? We salute you.
Same with our teachers and librarians. And our religious leaders. And our doctors, nurses and dentists.
Same with the mail delivery person and the FedEx and UPS driver. Let’s not forget Uber and Lyft.
On Saturday, November 30 we get to enjoy “Shop Small” day.
The idea is to get people to shop in the smaller – but closer to home – stores and restaurants.
In the course of an average month, we all go to grocery stores, repair shops, dry cleaners, gas stations, pharmacies, beauty salons, restaurants and more.
Those who work in our local businesses greet us with a smile. Let’s return the gesture. Some of these terrific people we’ve known for years.
Appreciate those who volunteer to serve on the Brentwood Community Council, on our homeowner associations, and other volunteer committees.
There is a lot of drudgery in all this, and we benefit from their many hours of sitting through committee meetings.
Make a list of all those things for which you are thankful. Take your time. The list is likely quite long.
Don’t forget members of your family. And your pets.
There is a wonderful line from an old Beatles song, “And, in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make.”
Think to yourself: Who is thankful for YOUR friendship, love, time and involvement?
Now let’s take it to the next level. TELL people you appreciate them.
We can all set off a bit of a ripple effect. Those we tell we appreciate can go on to pay it forward.
Happy holidays, all. And THANK YOU for reading the Brentwood News!
