Playworks sells toys that invite play and enhance early childhood development [fun for all ages]

We all know at least two ways of looking at the world. In one, our glass is half empty. In the other, it's half full. I doubt anyone lives either philosophy exclusively and absolutely. Depending on circumstances and resilience, we fall somewhere between these extremes. In any situation we need time to consider what is and what we might do with this new reality. Is it as bad as it could be? Is it all we ever dreamed possible? It could always be worse. Nothing is perfect. These are simple facts. In reality, the siutuation is likely "the best we can hope for, "under the circumstances" or "as good as it gets."

We decide how we're going to live our lives. Will we sink into despair and hold a grudge against our fate? Will we "accentuate the positive" and celebrate what's best in our lives? Likely we'll find a middle ground.

I recall reading how one woman responds to anything that leaves her feeling her glass has dropped to a new low. She gives into her misery, sets a timer, crawls into bed, pulls up the covers and "wallows in pity" until the timer goes off. That's when she gets up, takes a deep breath, exhales all that negative energy, and moves forward. She does not deny her feelings. She acknowledges, even embraces, her negative emotions, but only briefly. She may not be able to change whatever elicited her initial response, but she chooses to "take the high road." In so doing, she enriches her life and the lives of those around her. She gives herself a gift and becomes a mentor to others.

As Thanksgiving approaches, let's be alert to all that's positive in our lives and be thankful. Let's nurture an attitude of gratitude. Compile a list of all our blessings. Make this a daily family practice leading up to Thanksgiving. Then when the family gathers for dinner, pass around the list and invite everyone to share in reading aloud reasons we have to give thanks.

That's one way to be mindful of what’s best in our lives. How do you cultivate an attitude of gratitude and mentor others in doing so? We'd be delighted if you shared your "secrets" with us. Please e-mail christina@playworks.net. We’ll send you a reuseable Playworks market tote as our way of saying, "thank you for sharing."

We at Playworks are thankful you have chosen to be our customers, and we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.