Why NOT to be thankful — Have you taken a look at everything wrong in your life and the world? At a time when people are harping on you to look at the bright side, but they just might be missing the point.
This thanksgiving, Dean speaks from the other side of the coin, and promises an uplifting answer to the real point, of giving thanks.
Have you taken a moment to notice everything that’s not going right in your life lately? The state of the world, the state of the nation, the uncertainty of the future? Maybe a project you wanted went to another team. Maybe your motorhome engine blew up and took your plans with it. This fall has been that kind of season for many of us—plans falling like autumn leaves.
This vlog is about something surprising: why not to be grateful first. In a season when everyone encourages you to “look on the bright side,” sometimes the most powerful gratitude comes from looking honestly at what’s not working.
When you take a moment to face the things that are wrong—the disappointments, the frustrations, the setbacks—something remarkable happens. What’s truly important becomes impossible to miss. The contrast sharpens your awareness.
In our presence coaching and leadership communication work, we often see this: when people acknowledge difficulty, they gain clarity about what genuinely sustains them. Hardship becomes a lens that reveals meaning, purpose, and the people who hold us up.
When I look at what hasn’t gone right, I suddenly feel overwhelming gratitude for what has. I am deeply thankful for my wife, my family, my children, my extended family, the work I get to do, and the colleagues who make it meaningful. These blessings shine brighter when contrasted with the chaos around them.
This insight strengthens confident presence, improves storytelling for business, and supports the emotional steadiness we teach in client communication training and group presentation coaching. People who acknowledge both the good and the hard develop authenticity that resonates—in life, in leadership, and even in AEC interview preparation or business speaking skills development.
Some people believe you can’t truly feel joy without also feeling hardship. The frustration, the sadness, the fear—these emotions illuminate what is precious. Life without difficulty becomes flat, neutral, easy but less meaningful.
So this Thanksgiving, don’t skip the hard parts. Notice what’s not right. Let it contrast against what’s good. That comparison instantly reveals what matters most.
Take a moment this week to name a problem. Then name something you’re grateful for. Feel the difference. Notice how the good thing shines even brighter in the presence of struggle.
This practice strengthens resilience, deepens perspective, and fuels the grounded confidence we rely on in leadership communication, sales presentation coaching, and professional services communication.
Wishing you a grateful, thoughtful, meaningful Thanksgiving season. Happy Thanksgiving.
Receive weekly posts of insight and inspiration.
No Comments yet!