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Inspiration

The grace of gratitude

here is something powerful about setting aside It's also important to fill merchants in on how they can
time to be thankful. The ways gratitude is get help during the big holiday weekend. If you're doing
expressed are as diverse as those who are giv- anything special to help them through Black Friday, Cyber
T ing thanks. Some people pause to count their Monday and the rest of the holiday season, be sure to let
blessings several times a day; others do so less frequently. them know.

The world's great religions all address the importance of If you're gathering with family members who tend to be-
gratitude in their teachings. Plenty of non-religious orga- come upset, it makes sense to plan ahead much like you
nizations and self-help groups extol the virtues of thank- would prepare for a business presentation. Think about
fulness, too. And, of course, countries do it. The United how to bring about the best possible outcome for all and
States celebrates Thanksgiving this year on Thurs., Nov. how you could address difficulties that tend to crop up
28. Canada did so on Mon. Oct. 14. And the ritual is not whenever you get together. If you're not hosting the gath-
exclusive to North America. Other countries – Liberia, Ja- ering, bring a gift for those who are. It doesn't have to be
pan and Germany, for example – have similar celebrations. elaborate. Remember to give them the gift of listening, too.
Then let go and relax.
However, given how hectic our lives are today, it's easy
to obsess over logistics for the holiday, cook and bake in Use humor
a whirlwind, worry about challenging family dynamics, Also, a little levity can't hurt. For example, Jay Leno said,
and overeat while trying not to. And given how demand- "You can tell you ate too much for Thanksgiving when you
ing careers in the payments industry are, and how easy have to let your bathrobe out." And Erma Bombeck wrote,
it is with today's technology to tune into our business re- "I come from a family where gravy is considered a bever-
sponsibilities 24/7, it can be difficult to slow down and let age." Don't those bring a smile to your face? You can do
gratitude sink in. the same for others. If your family and friends can share
Plan ahead in laughter while carving up that turkey, it will likely help
everyone relax and feel more joy.
So what's the solution? It begins with preparation. As a
payments pro, part of preparing for the holiday could be And don't worry about doing everything the "right" way.
to call your most important merchants and partners, wish What is right for you, your family and friends is what you
them a happy holiday, and tell them how much you ap- decide is right. And I wish you the very best as we begin
preciate doing business with them. You could also send another year-end holiday season.
notes of appreciation to all of your merchants, partners
and staff. If you're enterprising, you might include a fam-
ily recipe they could try out for their holiday spread, or
send a short story or poem that eloquently captures the
essence of the day. Kate Gillespie, President and CEO

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