Lean Quote: Thankful People are Happy People

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"It’s not happy people that are thankful. It’s thankful people who are happy."   —  Unknown

It’s my favorite time of year, the holiday season. I especially love Thanksgiving. The very foundation of the holiday is a concept rooted in gratitude and giving back. It’s a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy the bounty of the earth and open our hearts to all the gifts we have been given!

Studies show we are happier, healthier (less heart disease, stress related disorders) and heartier (we actually live longer) and are more resilient when we focus on the plusses not the negatives in life.

The holiday season reminds us to slow down the pace a bit and just Be. Yes, I know, it’s not easy to let go of our daily stresses, and it’s true that there is a very long list of things to do.  But, when we think of the bounty we have in our children, our families and our friends, the rest can wait.

Happiness seems to be a rare quality these days. But maybe it's because thankfulness is rare too. Taking a moment from your day to remember why you are thankful can make you feel more complete. By focusing on being grateful for what we have, we can retrain our minds and feel more satisfied in our daily lives. Being thankful can help you live a life with a lot more appreciation and mindfulness.