“Gratitude shifts your focus from what your life lacks to the abundance that is already present.” – Marelisa Fábrega

Thank you.

Two small words that mean so much.

As Thanksgiving is in two days, all of us here at Datamax are thankful to all of our Raving Fans. Even if you're not a Raving Fan (yet), but a regular reader of our blog – Thank you.

We are grateful for the many blessings we have. We're grateful for the trust all of our customers place in us to support your businesses.

They're just two simple words, but, from the bottom of our hearts: Thank you!

The Gratitude Challenge

Thanksgiving is more than just turkey, cranberries, and stuffing. It's a time to reflect and be thankful for the many blessings in our lives. 

But there's ALWAYS always someone around the Thanksgiving table who can't think of anything to be thankful for. Here's a starter pack for those folks.

• Write 10 living people you are grateful for.
• Write 10 people who have died you are grateful for.
• Write 10 physical abilities you are grateful for.
• Write 10 material possessions you are grateful for.
• Write 10 things about nature you are grateful for.
• Write 10 things about today you are grateful for.
• Write 10 places on earth you are grateful for.
• Write 10 modern-day inventions you are grateful for.
• Write 10 foods you are grateful for.

… as you can see, this list just scratches the surface of things to be thankful for.

And speaking of food I’m thankful for, my line up for this week includes:

1. New Mexico Espanola Chili (Absolutely nothing like it)
2. Sopapilla’s (Rancho De Chimayó style)
3. Cheese Grits (Deep South version only)
4. Pecan Pie (Mimi's finest and the best in Texas)
5. Texas Holiday Trash Mix (Doused in Worcestershire)
6. Edna's Classic Stuffing (However any and all stuffing options will do)
7. Asparagus (Grilled and crunchy)
8. Banana Nut Bread (Oh my)
9. Corn Bread (Jalapeño laced!) and,
10. The never fails Butterball Roasted Turkey.

If you're STILL having a hard time coming up with things to be thankful for, there's always football and sliced bread and this list of things from Real Simple magazine:

• Your parents.
• Pints of ice cream.
• Coffee. Coffee.
• Quirky traditions that make your family special.
• Peanut butter.
• Click here for the rest of the list. 

And, if for no other reason, do it for yourself. Research reveals that those who express gratitude live longer than those who aren't grateful for what they have. From a Forbes article, “Gratitude research is suggesting that feelings of thankfulness have a positive value in helping people cope with daily stressors at home and at work. We know that stress can make us sick, really sick.  Stress is linked with heart disease and cancer.  Think about it. 

So be grateful, it's good for you! 

I want to close as I began, to all of our customers: 

Thank you.