Have you ever contemplated the question, “How thankful am I?” 

With Thanksgiving and the holidays approaching, it’s a good time to consider this question. From the time we are learning to talk, good parents are training their children to be thankful. Being thankful is usually a natural human reaction when someone does something good to you or for you. It is; however, also a learned and practiced skill that, according to science and psychology experts, has many benefits. 

When you feel and express thankfulness and gratitude, your brain releases neurotransmitters and hormones that improve your mood, relationships, sleep and reduce stress. These areas of improvement can be game changing for families and businesses during this holiday season.

One way we at Greater Fayetteville Business Journal practice thankfulness is by celebrating and recognizing our Health Care Heroes. Last week, we hosted a won derful night of networking, dinner, recognition and awards for these special people who give so much to all. On page 12, you can see who the winners were. We are extremely grateful for our sponsors who made the event possible and especially for all of our health care professionals, whose knowledge, dedication and commitment to our area’s health needs deserves praise!

We are also extremely thankful for our Veteran community in our area. Another way we are exercising our thankfulness muscle is by focusing this issue on Veteran owned businesses. As a Veteran of the US Navy, I was very honored for the opportunity to serve our country. So many lessons I learned in the military have been applied in business and entrepreneurship. Of course there are hard skills that are also acquired, but none more important than the soft skills of resilience, ingenuity, commitment and perseverance. 

I hope you will contemplate the question of thankfulness this year and put it into practice. If you need a little help with being more thankful, please talk with a loved one, someone who practices thankfulness regularly, a pastor, and of course, the Creator!

Happy Thanksgiving. 

God bless you and yours!