Contributed by Bob “Oxygen Man” Rawlins, oxygen user and consultant to CAIRE Inc. ~
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~ John F. Kennedy
Actions do speak louder than words, I think. We all have or will learn from the actions of others. Do we appreciate enough what we have or who genuinely loves us?
I’m guilty at times. We all are. Do we slow down and appreciate life enough?
Do we thank those that have been so caring and loving towards you and your family? I think we don’t express our thanks towards others enough.
This world we are living in has become difficult and everyone wants to feel better in it and better for it. We spend too much time complaining and less time solving or being apart of a winning solution. No matter what your journey is, we all can improve and do our part to make things better. I sincerely believe this.
Being on this journey has made me much more thankful for some of the things I may have missed or never appreciated.
It’s easier to be more thankful around this time of year. I am so very thankful for living in the USA and having the opportunity to enjoy the best of everything it has to offer.
I challenge my friends and family to make being thankful something we try and do year-round. Can you imagine if more of us would practice this more than just during the holiday season once a year? Unfortunately, some never do.
Practicing gratitude is something I try and continue throughout the year. A little thing like being available to answer questions or talk about my current journey facing a serious respiratory condition with others, and especially those who might be starting oxygen therapy for the first time. Offering experiences and suggestions is easy and I have had so many that were so grateful for my having taken the time to talk and listen to them. Easy and enjoyable.
When I go in the hospital, I will bring my “Nurses Bait” tackle box filled with goodies for my caregivers. One of my nurse friends helped me with this over five years ago when my stay was over eight weeks. They really appreciated this small gestures of appreciation. Just a few examples of some easy things to do.
I have been blogging for over three years now and one day I got a package at my door. It was a cooking apron with “Oxygen Man” embroidered on the front. My heart was so overjoyed, sigh. You may be reading this, and I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciated this gesture, and it came at a time when my day was not going so well. You are still anonymous.
Friends, you never know what a small bit of kindness and thankfulness can do for someone on any day.
Leaving a snack in your mailbox can really make your mail carrier thankful. It is a very tough job right now and going into the busy season any gesture of kindness is appreciated. Little, but it says a lot.
There are many that feel material things are the best way to show your gratitude. I disagree, strongly. It’s the sincere listening to someone, taking time out for a visit, or a cup of java. A phone call, a nice note, or a heartfelt text.
I have been blessed in so many ways from many that have shown me and my family amazing acts of kindness. Several people have expressed their appreciation for how we have been so kind to others in need and volunteering in community programs and initiatives. Never crossed my mind at the time because we were simply getting involved and sharing our love for our community and its families. Again, easy-peasey!
Thanksgiving is the time to be grateful for many things, but keep it simple. Do what you can do within your limits. Don’t stress over the fact that your health might not be the best and you might not be able to do the things you used to. That’s ok. The old cliché applies, “It’s the thought that counts, when it’s genuine.”
Enjoy Thanksgiving my friends, be thankful. I’m so thankful for all of you. I wish you all a wonderful “Turkey Day,” and each day throughout the year.
God Bless you!
Till next time.
#touchaheart
#laugheveryday
#breathe-easy
#practicegraditude
Love,
~ Coach “Oxygen Man” Bob
XXOO
Bob Rawlins, 61, of Medina, Ohio, is husband to Terese and father to their 16-year-old triplets, a soccer coach, a hospital volunteer, band dad and chaperone, and marketing guru. He uses a FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator and a transportable oxygen concentrator for overnight travel.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.caireinc.com/patients or by calling 1-800-482-2473 to talk to an oxygen advisor.
The contents of this blog post are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. When using any oxygen therapy device please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and detailed safety information.
Photo credit: StockSnap from Pixabay