Thanksgiving 2008

November 27th, 2008 Sean Murphy

Our Thanksgiving table has been cleared and the low rhythmic hum of the dishwasher can be heard in the quieter passages of “The Shining” by Badly Drawn Boy on the stereo. Guests have departed with leftovers and I am left with a strong sense of contentment from a good meal and fellowship.

“The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.”
Eric Hoffer, Reflections On The Human Condition

There is a Japanese aphorism that “one kind word can warm three winter months” that I am going to bear in mind over the holidays–and perhaps even a bit longer–in spite of the fact that California winters are more wet than frozen.

My short list of what I am thankful for this year is a reprise of last year once more

• Health
• Family
• Friends
• Opportunity

To be self-employed in a downturn is a wonderful opportunity: I don’t have to worry about getting laid off. And as long as I have health, family, and friends the formula for avoiding bad luck is simple:

“I never knew an early-rising, hard-working, prudent man, careful of his earnings, and strictly honest who complained of bad luck.” Henry Ward Beecher

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