Gratitude makes the world better.
Brian Tietz
Pamela Hayford
Editor of Southwest Florida Parent & Child magazine
When I’m stressed or otherwise in a bad mood, listing things to be grateful about turns my mood around. Even when I begrudge the blaring sun is shining or I’m breathing, that leads me to the next thing and the next until I’m feeling pretty lucky. Occasionally I’m even successful at getting the rest of the family to do it at dinner, though admittedly, it’s been some time.
That’s one of the things I love about Thanksgiving. It’s a reminder to find gratitude, to be thankful, to share your own good fortune.
I also love the big Thanksgiving dinners we host in our home. Friends and family gather around an enormous table (actually two kitchen tables side by side and covered to look like one). Except the kids — they get their own table on the lanai. The conversation is lively yet friendly. And when it’s all over, I’m exhausted, and my heart feels full.
Readers, you often make me feel that way, too. Whenever you tell me about some way that the magazine made your life better, even in a small way, it fills my heart. You have my gratitude. Thank you for reading. Thank you for telling me how a particular story affected you. Thank you for making suggestions and asking questions.
May you all have a Thanksgiving filled with love and good fortune.
