November's "Top 5" from Patricia Burgin, SeattleCoach LLC

This month: My Top 5 Ways to
Practice Thanksgiving Out-Loud

Sometimes the Holidays have a tendency to be more external than internal—more busy and superficial than about our hearts and relationships. Of all the Holidays, I think our best chance to get it right is Thanksgiving.

Here are my “Top 5” ways to practice Thanksgiving out-loud in your relationships.

1. Acknowledge them. This means commenting on their character: the core that has helped them to create a life you admire. Call, write a note or just look them in the eye and tell them how cool you think they are.
2. Celebrate wins and milestones. This is where the toasts and the high-fives come in. (It’s possible to do this on the phone.)
3. Appreciate their effort and thoughtfulness. The more specific the better.
4. Believe and expect that these people have gifts for you. They do. Think about what you would look like if you walked in the door on Thanksgiving looking like you expected that.
5. And if you’re a person of faith, take yourself on a walk. And as you breathe in the crisp fall air, thank God for being an affectionate, challenging, creative and steady companion.

Now, since I’m a coach and always interested in action, I challenge you to be ready to take the risk of trying one of these when the moment comes. I guarantee it will--you will recognize it when it does.

As always, I’d welcome the chance to schedule a complimentary thirty minute conversation with you. We'll talk about how a good coach could support and challenge you as you move ahead personally and professionally.