I am hoping you all have started sharing what you feel grateful for and posting it on social media. The gratitude challenge for this week is reflecting what person(s) has made a difference in your life.

My grandparents showed me unconditional love. They told me there was nothing in this world I could not accomplish. From other circumstances in my life I made sure I let them know how much I appreciated their investment in me.

Who is that person in your life? Who is the person that mentored you professionally? Who is the person that stood beside you while you were growing up? A parent, a teacher, a coach, a guidance counselor.

This past Friday night I went to a fundraiser at Parkesburg Point and heard an inspirational message from Brian Dawkins. Prior to his speaking, Dwayne Walton, who runs the Point, shared that when a parent is unavailable to be present in their child’s lives; usually a teacher or a coach is there to fill in.

Keeping in mind that when someone fills in it’s an unpaid position. They person gives generously from their heart. With the budget crisis continuing there are many Commonwealth agencies that could use extra help.

Volunteering during this month of thankfulness can help us focus on those persons and those tangible items that bring the sense of gratitude. Start a volunteering opportunity at your office. Check out the United Way of Chester County.

Take a moment this month and look around your office. Really pay attention to the people around you. What qualities about them do you admire? What qualities help you succeed? How have they invested in your life? Who was that person who guided you in your professional career?

This week’s post includes many questions. Use these questions to focus your thoughts and feelings about gratitude and volunteering. Make that effort to let those people who have influenced your life, your gratefulness.

Expressing gratitude and volunteering help us focus on someone other than ourselves. This intentional choice decreases our levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. And it’s free. All is requires is our time and a genuine heart. And knowing you made a difference.

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Tina L. O’Connor, MS, NCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has a private counseling practice in Parkesburg. Tina attended college in Phoenixville and West Chester. Tina and her husband Doug have three amazing adult stepchildren and two beautiful grandchildren. Tina can be reached at Experience Positive Therapy via telephone at (610) 857-8089 or email at exppostherapy1@verizon.net.
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Top photo credit: Thankful via photopin (license)