You can change your life by simple changing the seat that you look at your life from. Thanksgiving taught me this as a child.



Growing up in Manhattan was an obstacle course of speed, traffic, hustle and bustle. It was an exciting place with tons of energy. The abundance of energy pointed in a billion different directions and you could often feel alone in your individual pursuits.



Then came the magical time of Thanksgiving where the city transformed.



As the days grew closer the excitement could be felt in the air. People
seemed warmer, nicer, and though the pace remained fast, it seemed to
slow down. The stranger smiled as he pushed you out of his way. The
cabby honked at you but left out the crass comment, and you knew things
were different.



Walking down Central Park,
No Parking Wednesday and Thursday signs were posted about and the
benches and barricades were dropped off in piles along the sidewalk.
The cold air was just starting to find its way in and the city smelt
fresh and clean.



Then came Wednesday and it seemed that everyone was on the same
mission. The energy, instead of being pointed in a billion different
directions, had a common purpose. You felt a connection, a bond, as
everyone did smile and the pushes and shoves changed to helping hands.
The smiles were everywhere and everyone wished you well on your
holidays. You couldn’t help but feel excited and happy.



The city changed into a town. It felt like Anywhere, U.S.A. where you
knew everyone and everyone knew you. Living on the Upper West Side,
Wednesday night was a special time when the parade balloons were blown
up all night along side the Museum of Natural History.
Traffic was gone and the people took to the streets. The shops sold hot
apple cider with cinnamon sticks and you would clasps your hands around
the cup for warmth. Then you could get a peek at the magnificent balloons and everyone was one big family.



Early the next morning I’d be out walking the dog; Central Park would
be empty and quite. In just a few hours millions would poor into the
city as the nation gathered to see the magnificent Macy’s
parade. But in those early morning hours the world felt completely at
peace to me. I felt the goodness of the hearts of my neighbors and I
felt safe.



Then the parade and crowds did roll through and it was a celebration
like no other with children perched atop their parents’ shoulder
clapping and gasping with amazement at the passing parade. We showed
appreciation for all the high school bands
from all over the country. Then we cheered for the all the familiar
characters that brought us so many moments of laughter and joy.



After we celebrated as a city and as a nation, it was family time. Time
to gather and sneak a few bites of stuffing before the long awaited
meal was served. What a time to feel good and appreciate being with
each other. A time to give thanks! It was a feeling I learned well and
one that has always stayed with me.



The question I have for you is, what really changes during Thanksgiving? Did the people really change? Did the city really become a town? What was the event that changed?



When working with clients I often perform the following exercise. I ask
them to move from chair to chair in my office and take a look at the
room, finally retuning to the original position. Then I ask, “From each
chair the room looked different, didn’t it?” The answer is always,
“Yes.” Next I ask, “Did anything really physically change in the room?”
The answer always being, “No.” The point being that nothing in life
really has to change for you to enjoy it, other than the point of view
you choose to take. What chair do you want to look at your life from, the chair of have nots and disappointment, or the chair of opportunities, appreciation and gratitude?



Change your point of view and you change your life.
What changed the city into a town was everyone taking on the same point
of view. When large groups take on the same point of view, whether
negative or positive, you feel the common energy. What transforms Thanksgiving is the abundance of positive energy and you can feel it in your bones.



It is time for all of us to change our attitudes!



Did you know that the Macy’s parade was not started by Macy’s? The employees of Macy’s
were once made up mostly of immigrants who were truly appreciative of
their lives and opportunities here in the United States. All from
different backgrounds, countries and religions, they gathered at 125th
Street dressed as clowns and other costumes carrying balloons. They
marched in celebration and gratitude to Macy’s on 34th Street. 250,000 people came out to watch them and be part of the celebration of life itself.



It was such a success that Macy’s
fully got behind it the following year and it has been part of our
tradition ever since. That was back in 1927. It’s amazing how we can
affect the world with our individual initiative and actions. Yes, you
can also affect your life with the actions you take. We do not need a specific holiday such as Thanksgiving to be positive and come together. The Pilgrims did so whenever the occasion called for it.



We are here and living freely as we do so tell yourself every day, “I’m
having a great day!” That means “I want to do my best everyday and look
at life from the chair of opportunities and appreciation!”



“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.’

-Cicero



Change the seat you look at your life this Thanksgiving. It’s simple; get up and sit in a different chair and think about all the blessings and opportunities you have in your life and be thankful.