​As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to pause, be grateful, and affirm all the times I’ve said, “No.”
 
I realize that “no” is not often considered an affirmative statement. As kind and generous folks, we usually want to say “yes” when asked to help or assist in any way. Indeed, “yes” seems to leap from our mouths before we fully consider the request. It’s our default response. It feels like we’re being helpful.

​Everyday I face a choice that determines my destiny. Confronted by events and observed behaviors, be they in short encounters or in the global news, the question comes along as a familiar tagline, prompting me to pause and ponder:
 
How shall I respond?

​I’m a fan of a well thought-out rational process. Show me a step-by-step way to do something, and I’m a happy guy. I’m also an intuitive, so I’ll do a gut-check before moving ahead on a decision. It’s got to feel right.