In 1994, while leading an international subsidiary of Pitney Bowes in Sydney, Australia, I attended a seminar that changed my life. The speaker advised that one should start every day by listing three things that you are thankful for. I mentally created that list for almost 25 years. It allows me to begin each and every day with a thankful heart – an attitude of gratitude!

For ten years as the CEO of LeasePlan USA, our company hosted a Thanksgiving lunch in which I delivered a holiday message to our team members. While I left the CEO role several years ago, I would like to share this message with my network. During these challenging times, it will be important to have that ”attitude of gratitude” and to be thankful for all of our blessings.

In addition to this, I always reminded my teammates of the importance of BEING PRESENT! It is so important that we take this time to be present, be in the moment, and look around at the blessings bestowed on us. Take this time to concentrate on all of the good things in your life and eliminate distractions from what is really important.

Research indicates that the average American now spends 9-10 hours a day looking at a digital device of some kind: smartphones, iPads, computer screens, and of course, the television. 10 HOURS!!!

Tomorrow, when you celebrate being thankful with family and friends, I’d like you to consider being PRESENT. Lift your game on your listening skills and take the time to spend valuable hours with your loved ones, and maybe even tell them how thankful you are to have them in your life.

In America, so many of us are abundantly blessed with so many gifts. There is so much to be thankful for. For those A-type personalities that never seem to unplug from the digital highway and are tuned in 24-7-365, take a day off, shut the devices down, and BE PRESENT!

And remember, you might just make someone else thankful. Thankful that you were fully engaged and with them on Thanksgiving Day!

Love on your family and friends. Give them a unique gift, BE PRESENT.