Learning to Give Thanks!

I was leaving home.

The deal was that my parents would support me until I finished my first degree and then I was on my own. It seemed more than fair to me. And as I had made the decision to study overseas, I was given an allowance for the whole year, I had to manage it and make it last. It was in the days before mobile phones, internet and the expectation that when your child sneezes you'll be there ready with a tissue, cough medicine and an appointment with the doctor and homeopath!

It was in the days when a child decides to study abroad, tickets are booked, bags are packed and there is a teary goodbye with a promise to write often and try to call from a public phone box sometime in the first two weeks. It sounds shocking to me now that I have my own kids and rarely let them out of my sight! I was only 18 and I have to admit, I did pretty well. I was careful with my allowance and when it finally did run out, I got a job that kept me going until I could use my return ticket and go home for the summer holidays.

My parents were proud! And as I look back I understand that it was a wonderful l experience that definitely led me to where I am right now - independent, strong, ambitious and expert in managing my life and constantly reaching to achieve my greatest goals and dreams. And yet, here I am, years later, dependent. And I mean SUPER-dependent.

But, I'm not talking about money, I'm talking about technology. It's not that I'm hooked on gadgets (though I have to admit there are a few that take my fancy!), it's that my whole business is reliant on the technology working. And that can be super-challenging! When it works, it's a wonder beyond belief or imagination. When it doesn't work, it can be hell. Over the last few months, I've started realizing that part of my frustration with not-always functioning technology is the feeling of being dependent. And the truth is, there's not much I can do about it given that I have chosen to build my business on-line.

I get to tap into the phenomenal resources available to be anywhere and do anything and reach the whole world, but that means I have to depend on technology! So, seeing that we are the week of giving thanksI have decided to challenge myself to find 5 ways I can give thanks to technology and how it serves my business.

So here goes, I give thanks -

1. For being able to talk to family, friends and clients at any time no matter where they are in the world!

2. For having access to information on any subject I may be interested in learning about or want to research, at the tip of my fingers!

3. For being able to see places that I want to visit and learn all about them long before I ever book a ticket!

4. For being able to watch business builders and coaches out there, and learn from the people who are doing such great things in the world

5. To be able to serve my clients all over the world in seamless, inexpensive, creative and effective ways

Well, I don't know about you, but I'm convinced. Next time a system crashes or an email loops, I'm going to take a deep breath and give thanks!

Have a wonderful week and remember to give thanks to the very things that we take most for granted!