A few years ago, a story circulated about a teacher who used balloons to teach students about happiness. It went something like this:
A teacher brought balloons to school and passed them all out to the class. The students blew them up and then were instructed to write their name on one of them. After that, the students put their balloons into a hallway and the teacher followed mixing all of the balloons up.
The kids were then given five minutes to find the balloon with their name on it. Although the kids searched frantically, no one found the balloon that had their name on it. Then the teacher changed the exercise and asked the kids to take the balloon nearest to them and give it to the person whose name was on it. In less than two minutes, everyone was holding their own balloon.
The teacher said to the kids, ‘These balloons are like happiness. If we are only looking for our own happiness, we’ll have trouble finding it. But if we care enough about others to help them find their happiness, we will ultimately find our own.’
Maybe the exercise wouldn’t really go that way, but I think the message it tells us is true and connects with today’s holiday. Helping others find their happiness is a great way for us to find our own happiness. And sometimes the easiest way to spread happiness is to show gratitude. Today is Thanksgiving. A day set aside for us to intentionally remember to be thankful. But it’s a lesson we should remember each and every day of the year. Showing gratitude for what others do for us is a great way to make them happy. And that attitude of gratitude tends to fill us with happiness as well. So, get out there and help the people around you find their balloons. They’ll follow your lead and help you find yours as well.
We hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday, and from all of us at Kerby’s, thanks for being a loyal customer. We wouldn’t be here without you, and we appreciate the opportunity to be a part of your gardens and your lives. We’re thankful for all of you today and every day. Happy Thanksgiving!
P.S. If you need to burn off some of those Thanksgiving dinner calories, there is no better place than out in the garden. We’ll be open all weekend to help you find exactly what you need. Plus, we’ll have some great Black Friday specials all weekend.
