Then I step back and try to gain perspective and realize we all have similar vulnerabilities.  We all can stray from our paths, our families and our beliefs.

So what is it that enables us to stay true to our core values?  What is it that enable us once we falter to get back on track?

I don’t have the answer to that. But I do know the clearer you are about your core values, the harder it is to ignore them.  Clarity brings focus and strength.  In your personal life and in your business life.

To get clarity about your core values, check out the Core  Values eCourse for a simple resource to guide you in clarifying your core values.

To strengthen the harmony in your life, register for a Strengthen the Harmony workshop.

So what are you truly thankful for?  Do you really recognize the blessings in your life even when your life seems to be out-of-control?  Or is it out-of-control because you are not recognizing the blessings in your life?

Do you keep a gratitude journal?  Writing down what you are grateful for every day is one way to keep “Thanksgiving” and your blessings in mind every day of the year.  I’ve used this tip and it is amazing how it shifts my attitude and what it brings into my life.  (like the courage to launch Strengthen the Harmony.)  It doesn’t have to be a “big deal” type of journal.  Mine is just a small book (with a beautiful cover).  It takes me 3 — 5 minutes to write a list of what I am thankful for.  I just use a simple format.  “Today I am thankful for.….  It is amazing when you reflect on your day, the things that are blessings -  my husband who made coffee for me that day,  the purr of my black cat when she sits on my lap, the enthusiastic welcome from our Great Danes when I come home, the email message from a friend, the client who sent a payment, a phone conversation with my mom, the hugs from my grandchildren, the phone call from my daughter or son, the flowers in my gardens, the new snow on the ground.   My Gratitude Journal helps me shift my focus to “what is.”

Give it a try.  I write long hand, but maybe the computer is a better option for you.  Or record it on your cell phone. Or on your knees praying.  Just use whatever method works best for you.

Happy Thanksgiving.  And I am truly grateful for this blog and the opportunity to chat with all of you!

If you are a business owner, have you clearly identified the core values of your business? Have you articulated them to your employees? And do you insist that the company culture and code of behavior reflect those values?

Core values help you get to the root cause of disagreements and issues that cause stress, conflict and anxiety in the workplace.  Core values address the root cause instead of solving a symptom.

In my strategy consulting business, I see lots of people in organizations solving symptoms instead of resolving root causes. The trouble with solving a symptom is another symptom will just surface to take its place because the root cause has not been addressed.  This causes more time to be spent on solving another symptom taking time away from working on the work of the organization.  It also causes more stress, anxiety and dissatisfaction in the workplace. Who needs that?

So if you are feeling stress, anxiety or dissatisfaction in the workplace, check in with your core values.

Here’s a little activity to help you determine if you core values are a good fit with your employer’s.  On a piece of paper, 1.write down your core values. (See post in Your Life.)  2. Write down examples of how each core value is “drawn into play” in your workplace.  3. Write the core values of your employer.  (If you don’t know the core values, check if any are published on the company’s website.  Or ask someone who might know.)  Then compare your core values to the those of the organization.  Are they aligned? Are there areas of conflict?

Knowing if there is alignment or differences will help you determine if you need to take action to make changes — In your own life or in your workplace.

And if you need a resource to help you clarify your core values, check out the Core Values eCourse.  It is a good tool to get you started.

Visit www.StrengthenTheHarmony.com to register for a webinar. Or give the Gift of Webinar to someone you care about.