News from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
Assembly Office:
933 Legislative Office Building • Albany, NY 12248 • (518) 455-3751
District Offices:
607 West Washington Street • Suite 2 • Geneva, NY 14456 • (315) 781-2030
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For Release: IMMEDIATELY, November 14, 2012
Doug Finch (315) 781-2030
Be Thankful For All Our Blessings
Weekly column from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I-Canandaigua)

By the time this weekly column reaches publication, Thanksgiving Day will be upon us. Along with cooking - and enjoying - the turkey and traditional trimmings, I hope you will start a new Thanksgiving tradition and take a "thankfulness inventory."

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

A thankfulness inventory means counting and remembering all your blessings and being thankful for each new day, no matter the challenges. Every day - particularly holidays like Thanksgiving where we spend quality time with family and friends - is a gift, so always make the most of it!

REMEMBER THOSE SUFFERING FROM HURRICANE SANDY

While the Finger Lakes were spared the wrath of Hurricane Sandy, the storm has left thousands of families in New York City and Long Island homeless and struggling to pick up the pieces. Before you carve the turkey and pass the mashed potatoes, remember these families and think of our fellow New Yorkers.

ALWAYS SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR

There is always SOMETHING to be thankful for, regardless of the obstacles you face. I am thankful for my family, thankful to be an American, thankful for the courageous men and women of the armed forces who defend our freedoms and protect our way of life. I also am thankful for the opportunity to serve as your voice in the State Assembly.

BE THANKFUL - EVEN DURING HARDSHIPS

It's easy to be thankful for, and take for granted, the good things. True character is remaining thankful for everything - even life's hardships. The following is a poem about the importance of being thankful, especially during tough times, that I wanted to share. Happy Thanksgiving!

Be thankful! (Author Unknown)

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

What do you think? I want to hear from YOU! Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.