I wrote this blog last year. I’m using it again because for many of us, and perhaps almost all of us, we are in the middle of the most difficult year of our lives. Nobody could have predicted the disaster that has been 2020 on a world-wide scale. So –I’m running the column again, hoping to challenge all of us into thinking about the positives that still remain in our lives and I’ hoping that your words of inspiration help inspire and cheer up all of us.)

In three days from now we are supposed to sit around the table stuffing turkey down our throats while reflecting on all the things we should be thankful for. The easy ones are family and good health. Some might also be thankful for a new job, new car, new spouse or even new body part(s). How many of you however would be thankful for the community and home you live in?

Week after week, throughout the year, many of you write in complaining that there isn’t much to be thankful for in your community. While you may be sincere in your belief you’re your community is worse than North Korea and that your association should be named after Alcatraz, I also believe that if given enough time to think about it and come up with an answer, you can come up with at least one thing to be thankful for about the community you live in.

So, in the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, I am politely asking you to dig down, way down. Keep going. A little more…….and find something to be thankful for in your community. Perhaps you’re only thankful that someone other than yourself is crazy enough to serve on your Board. Maybe you’re thankful for a wonderful neighbor you have. Perhaps you’re thankful about the wonderful amenities your association has to offer, like the clubhouse and the swimming pool. Maybe, just maybe you’re thankful for the good work your Board is doing.

Today, you must come up with something nice to say. It’s easy to participate when the topic allows you to attack. Today, I’m asking you to work harder and say a few nice words about your community, your neighbors or dare I say it…….your Board.

To all of our wonderful blog readers and your families, I wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday. Now….Be nice.