Musings on a Monday Morning from Mike Mullin…

The weekly Newsletter of Without A Vision Consultancy LLC

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December 2, 2019 – Post-Thanksgiving Recovery

Good morning!

It is the week of the Feast of Thanksgiving — or if you prefer, of giving thanks.

An attitude of gratitude is something to which many of us aspire — and which we’re told, is a virtue.But what does the achievement of this attitude require? Why is it easier for some than for others, even seemingly impossible for many? To have had good parenting as a child no doubt helps, as do presumably good teachers, healthy extended family, and other meaningful adult relationships. To have had good coaches, mentors, bosses, colleagues, friends, associates, and heroes all contribute to this attitude of gratitude. But there is more to it than all of that because it still doesn’t come easily for many — and what about those who suffer from mental illness? Lest we forget, we must be very careful to not insist upon gratitude when it is manipulative, exploitative, demeaning, controlling, forced, or belittling; e.g., “Be happy for what you’ve got, it could be much worse!”

Here’s my list for this year:

I’m grateful for life itself; my brother died at 33, my Mom at 63, and my Dad at 65… I’m pushing 68 and I cherish each day;
I’m grateful for a number of doctors and pharmacists who toil to keep this body functioning; I have a number of ailments, aches, and pains, but as far as I know none is immediately life-threatening as of this writing;
As far back as I can remember I’ve never gone a day without food. We were poor dirt farmers but my parents must have established food as a high priority because even when we had nothing else we had plenty of farm-produced meats, vegetables, and fruits on the table; my parents kept a running tab (on the cuff) for staples at the tiny grocery store in a nearby village. It never occurred to me there was anything unusual about that. They would settle-up on occasion, although I’m not sure how;
My children tease me about fashion and being more in-style, and of course I’ve never come close to winning any sartorial contests, but I’ve always had something to wear;
From chores as a child on the farm up until now I’ve always had work — and usually meaningful work — which helps bring dignity and purpose to one’s life;
By choice I’ve lived more than three (3) cumulative years of my life outdoors or in a tent, but when wanted I’ve always had shelter — something enough to keep out the wind and the rain, the snow and the cold, the insects and the varmints;
It has been said the only two things you need in a marriage are a table and a bed; we have one of each;
By the grace of God I have profound aesthetic appreciation for many natural wonders and also for things human-made;
- I’m still in childlike awe of: jet airplanes, almost any college campus, good Scots Whisky, fancy houses, Simon & Garfunkel, five star restaurants, a good book, a panoramic vista, autumn sunshine, a garden tomato, the coast of Down East Maine, tree-ripened peaches, Guernica, the Golden Gate Bridge, genuine sourdough bread, birds, a mountain stream, anything Lincoln, chicken on the griddle, good theatre — and movies, a whole moon rising, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times…;
I wasn’t blessed with intelligence, good looks, money, or athleticism but I’ve somehow found a way to survive in spite of major deficiencies in those areas;
Relationships shouldn’t be last on the list, but think of them as the final goose bumps-crescendo to Beethoven #9 — speaking of which, it should also be on the list of things that have me in awe.
- I’m grateful for Laurie, my wife and partner/ friend of nearly 40 years. There is no logical reason we should still be together. We survive because she continues to take pity on me which was the case the night we first met and ever since. Relationships are so damn hard, but as they say, worth it. Together we’ve raised eleven perfectly and wonderfully flawed children who have now thus far contributed nine grandchildren to this world, the youngest having arrived just three days ago; her name is Evelyn and I’ve held her. There were many nights years ago when the thirteen of us feasted on a few boxes of generic macaroni and cheese (5 for $1), sometimes with cut-up Fun Dogs added for an extra treat… but we (she) did it! Our oldest is 37, the youngest 22. Oh, and our children who’ve thus far chosen partners for life have found joy in their relationships. There are thirty (30) of us now.
  - For the first time in a long time, we are scheduled to be at 100% participation around the table this Thursday, which brings tears of joy to my eyes and a small amount of hope for our world.
- And then the circle of relationships expands almost exponentially after starting with family — from dear close friends, to my work-related friends and relationships, to you, faithful reader, to casual acquaintances — each one important and hereby thanked.

Bigger, Better, Stronger, Healthier, Happier = Watchwords of Without a Vision.When will you give yourself the greatest gift of all, the gift of time?Schedule a no-obligation, no-cost initial exploratory visit with Without a Vision Consultancy today.
Next week we’ll return to our regular format.

Everyone loves taking little quizzes; here’s one for you right now: could you benefit from leadership coaching?

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