Bozho
(Hello),
Recently, I came across an article by Natasha Lees in which she suggested 10 things to be grateful for at Christmastime. She said, “Christmastime is a time for being grateful for all of the things in life that we are fortunate to have.” She recognized that “family is everything. … Just think about the number of kids who do not have a loving and caring family to rely on or turn to.”
She also noted that “having friendships and people to trust in our lives is a precious gift. Friendships are some of the most important relationships we have in life, and we need to appreciate and nurture them.”
Of course, she also mentioned that “our health is another important thing in our life.”
When we are young, most of us take it for granted; we do things (with our mind telling us it won’t affect us). However, if you don’t respect your body and monitor it with good behavior, then sooner or later it will catch up with you. Improper lifting is one of my downfalls. (Just to list one of many.) Now in my senior days, I seem to be enjoying my doctors as some of my best friends.
Education is always on my mind. It is the window that opens so many minds when told they won’t succeed. I will admit that “can’t” didn’t do one thing. I praise our Nation for putting a priority on our education program.
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I also researched some quotes on the importance of thankfulness and gratitude. Here are a few of my favorite quotes and comments from a 2015 article written by Matt Mayberry for Entrepreneur magazine.
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” — Albert Einstein
Sitting around during the holidays, we can all immerse ourselves in a large helping of laughter — as Lees reminded also reminded us, “it can lighten up the days of those we love.”
Mayberry put it this way: “Gratitude is one of the most powerful emotions that you can practice every day.”
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“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” — Maya Angelou
With all of the tragic events happening in the world nowadays, take time to enjoy quiet moments and share the love of Christ with your loved ones.
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Another quote: “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.”
— John F. Kennedy
Tips on gratitude inspired by the guidance of Aish HaTorah Jewish outreach organization: “Go out of your way to help others. Give a patient, listening ear (with the cellphone off) when someone needs to talk. … When someone helps you out, express gratitude and don’t assume the other person knows they are appreciated.
“Everybody has something positive. Give a genuine compliment and encourage their good traits. Everybody needs to hear praise, especially someone with low self-esteem. A kind word at the right time can inspire, lift and even change a life.”
In the New Year, “whenever you learn something from books, lectures or life experiences, do so with the goal of sharing with others. … If something is worth learning, it’s worth sharing.”
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I believe that the biggest gift that we can give is love and, as always, I want to wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Thank you for allowing me to represent you and our great nation.
Migwetch
(Thank you),
David Barrett
Mnedobe (Sits with Spirit)
Representative, District 10
1601 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.
Shawnee, OK 74801
405-275-3121
dbarrett@potawatomi.org