By Lori Leath Smith
One of my very best friends sent me the following words:
Replacing “I’m Sorry” with “Thank You:”
I’m sorry I’m late. ” Thank you for waiting on me.
I’m sorry I’ve been so needy lately. ” Thank you for being there for me.
I’m sorry to ask you for another favor. ” Thank you for helping me out.
I’m sorry I made a mistake. ” Thank you for pointing out my mistake.
I’m sorry but I can’t make it tonight. ” Thank you for inviting me.
I’m sorry for being emotional. ” Thank you for loving me.
I’m sorry that I’ve been distant. ” Thank you for being understanding.
Did you notice that the common theme is “how” you look at life: situations, circumstances, family, friends? And, will you respond positively or negatively?
It reminded me of a time when I was age 15; I worked at Arby’s in Vestavia Hills, Ala. My manager drilled into my head to serve with a smile and try to focus on the positive side of an issue, no matter how irate the customer or negative the situation. This determined, in great part, how the issue would be solved and how satisfied and happy the customer ended up. I believe I learned a lot in that job; I was forced to view things differently—better! Not realizing the impact on my future, I ended up carrying it through life. And though, not always as attuned as I should be, the times I’ve worked or carried on with a smile, are the times my thoughts have been pointed in the right direction; that approach almost forces me to think about the many “thanks” in my life. And when I do, the results are amazing. It’s been said that people who live with a thankful spirit live longer, sleep better and have better success and happier lives, despite their circumstances. It’s simply an ongoing attitude.
Destin Life asked, “What are you thankful for?” And, wow, according to the overwhelming response, we have a town full of thankful hearts:
I am thankful for 3 amazing girls and a wonderful wife along with a community that loves and supports the arts! -Nathanael Fisher, M.F.A., Producing Artistic Director, Emerald Coast Theatre Company
I’m thankful for still being here, so sorry for Mexico beach and PCB, couldn’t imagine. I love living in Destin been here seven years coming from Texas; Love the emerald green beautiful beaches. -Christina Tijerina
I’m thankful that I live in a community where friends are like family. A community where they will roll up their sleeves to help you or extend their arms to embrace you. I’m grateful that I live in a community made up of beautiful people sharing life together that are kind enough to include me! -Kimberly Balzli, Be Your Best You, Best Beach Getaways
At the Hive, we are thankful for friendship- friendship with each other, our clients, and the amazing individuals and business in our community! -Carly Hammer, The Hive Creative Consulting
I’m thankful for the unconditional love my dog has given me for the last 14 years! -Heather Bennett, SoWal Life and Destin Life contributing writer
I am thankful for everyone who helped the people affected from Hurricane Michael. -Art Thompson, Sales Associate, Premiere Coastal, Inc.
I am very thankful to live in an area where people pull together to in times of crisis. The amount of love and support we’ve shown for our neighbors in Panama City and Mexico Beach has been overwhelming! #FloridaStrong -Cali Hlavac, Silver Shade Studios and To Do In Destin
I’m thankful for the free exercise I get by walking on the most beautiful beach in the world. I’ll be more thankful when all the no trespassing signs are removed. -Ed Bowen, Destin Golf
I am so grateful for my amazing talented wife Redd, family and friends and to be part of an amazing supportive community. This slice of heaven is a unique place, “There’s no place like home.” For sure this is home for us. -Paul Vizard, 30a TV
I am thankful for my home at the beach and for all of the wonderful friends I have met since moving here. I am also thankful that God has blessed me with good health and happiness. -Debra Henry, CPA
I am thankful for our very supportive community. We have banded together to help support our devastated friends and families to the east from Hurricane Michael. -Gary Martin, Ready Restoration
I am thankful for the outpouring of love, supplies, time and money from our community and others who are continuing to work every day to provide relief and support for our neighbors to the east devastated by Hurricane Michael. As always, I am deeply thankful for my children, family, and the blessing of wonderful friends. -Deborah Elmore
I am thankful for the revelation that I have of God’s unconditional love that has empowered me to love, encourage, support, and give to others. I’m thankful that that one revelation has kept my family, relationships and personal well-being in a place of peace and joy no matter what storms may come (and they do come). I’m thankful that my ship remains steady. -Dee Chernicky, Dee Chernicky Ministries
I am thankful for my family. In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, I am very grateful for God’s protection of our community and for the ability to help our fellow neighbors that are in need. -Marcia Hull, CEO, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation
I am thankful for the dozens of times a day get to look up and see paradise. -Leslie Moland, APR, Dir. of Marketing & Public Relations, White-Wilson Medical Center, P.A.
I am thankful for God’s continual blessings on my family. I am thankful I have had a wonderful first year at the Chamber and have had the opportunity to meet, and work with, so many incredible people. I am also thankful to live and work in a community that pulls together in time of need to help our neighbors. -Bryana Bahmer, Membership & Events Coordinator, Destin Chamber of Commerce
I feel like God told me “thanks “opens the door to more, like saying More LORD! So, I am thankful for the ability to thank God, whom all blessings flow from! -Mona Ponder, Business Empowered and Silver Real Estate
My family—they are my foundation, my best and closest friends and confidants. I am extremely fortunate and I pray I never take that for granted! -Stephanie Pettis, APR, Vice President of Planning and Strategy, 25th Hour Communications
I am thankful to wake up every morning. Thankful to be born American. Thankful for parents who taught me that life is so much better when you put others before yourself. Thankful for my health, family, friends, home, business. -Whitney Lee, Lee IMC
I am thankful for the words of Citizen Way. Music is my life. And this song speaks and touches my heart. – Zoran Subotich, better known as American DJ Zoran
I am thankful for the Nonprofit Trees on the Coast and the new trees being donated and planted throughout Destin. -Allen French, Trees on the Coast
I am thankful for family, freedom and friends, plus college football. GO NOLES! -Denise Song, Habitat for Humanity
I am grateful for all the wonderful people who have welcomed my husband and I into the Destin community since moving here in March! -Teresa Allen, Common Sense Solutions
Without question this year I am thankful for the intense learning and polishing of my character and faith. God has taken me through painful awakening in my personal, professional, physical and spiritual. I feel like the rip current is releasing me and I can breathe again. -Chrissy Wetzel, Vice President-GM, Beachworx
I’m thankful for the moonlight on the Gulf; it fills my heart with love and hope for tomorrow. -Frank Berte, Destin Interactive
I’m thankful for the people in this community who rallied around me and my team to make an impact in the lives of orphans in Liberia. -Zhalman Harris, Aletha’s Hope, photographer
I’m thankful for being a part of such a family oriented, loving, and supporting community of Destin. -Andy Poveda, Director of Sales & Community Management, Beachworx
I am thankful for all of the ways God has blessed my family, friends, and my life. -Michelle Rathmann, Destin Elementary School Teacher
I am deeply thankful for my parents. When I was young, I knew they were good, but as I age, I realize they were actually outstanding! They taught me so much, but what comes to mind is self-reliance, perseverance, patience, empathy and service. -Claudia Butler Shannon, Arbonne
I am thankful for our community and how we have come together to help our neighbors to the east of us. We have been working with Backroads Sports Radio volunteering to help deliver meals and supplies to those in need. -Andrew M. Beno, Project Manager, Old South Homes, Inc.
At Boshamps, we’re thankful for our locals, supporting us and spreading the word to our out of town guests, that we’re where they bring their families and friends – Miller Phillips, Owner
I am thankful to live in such a beautiful place, Destin and Fort Walton Beach! I am from Kentucky. I used to visit as a tourist. I never thought I would get to live here and see the beautiful Emerald Gulf Coast every day. I love it here! I am also thankful for God watching over us and taking care of us and my family, friends and my health. -Tina Duncan
Flat, sandy beachfront to run on, sunsets, moonrises. -Jonie Holland
I grew up on Holiday Isle in Destin and am thankful for growing up on the beach and watching Destin grow. Some of it’s a bit too much, but overall, it is a place for people to come create memories and experience God’s beauty. I have been privileged to entertain in this town for 29 years! Destin provides me a living while I live on vacation! -Davy DuVall
Nothing like toes in the sand, live music at AJ”s and great seafood. -Georgia E. White Murray
I’m thankful for being able spend the second half of my life in such a beautiful area. -Marian Stoever LoGatto
I’m thankful that I live in a community where friends are like family. A community where they will roll up their sleeves to help you or extend their arms to embrace you. I’m grateful that I live in a community made up of beautiful people sharing life together that are kind enough to include me! -Christina Tijerina
I am thankful for God constantly shows up to demonstrate He’s got my back…. He is always there for me. -Helga Martinez
I thank God every day for my family and my friends and for giving me the opportunity to live in Paradise! -Glenda Brito
I am thankful for local news in SoWal Life and Destin Life newspapers. -Ray Cyr, Advertising Director, SoWal Life
And I am thankful for our partners and readers. It’s your voices and your support that make this publication great! -Lori Leath Smith, Publisher, Destin Life
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