(Cracking the Code with Greg Kozera - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

This week my wife Lynnda and I are at the Outer Banks with family. We hauled our suitcases and groceries up three floors to where the kitchen and living area of the house is. I am blessed and happy to be able go up three flights of stairs without assistance. Five years ago, this week, I was here with family in a wheelchair.

I couldn’t put any weight on my legs for almost two months after rupturing both quads in a soccer match in late October 2019. Lynnda couldn’t drive because she had a recent knee replacement. I couldn’t drive for over three months. Our daughter Dannielle and her husband drove from Baltimore, Maryland, to our home to pick Lynnda and me up and take us an additional 10 hours from Elkview to the Outer Banks for our family vacation week. We were grateful.

After surgery, my physical therapists were awesome. They taught me how to get dressed, get on and off the toilet by sliding on a board from my wheelchair and other necessary daily tasks. When I told them about our OBX trip, the PTs taught me how to slide from my car to the stairs and then use my arms to push my butt to the next step. When I got to the third floor I was exhausted. It was a challenge getting back into the wheelchair. I could move around the kitchen, family room and my bedroom on the top floor with the wheelchair. Getting coffee and breakfast without someone putting things on the counter within reach was impossible. Once a day I bounced down the steps. Dannielle pushed me on the boardwalk in my chair. It was uplifting to see the ocean and feel the breeze.

Being in a wheelchair gave me an appreciation of what people with mobility issues have to deal with. My wheelchair experience lasted two months. Many people must spend the rest of their lives in a wheelchair. Since my experience, I’m grateful for the ability to walk upstairs and make my own coffee in the morning. I have become an advocate for people with mobility issues. From experience, I know there are still many buildings and places inaccessible to people with mobility issues.

Thanksgiving is a special day to give thanks. We all have many blessings to be grateful for. My friend, author and motivational speaker Dr. Willie Jolley says, “Think about what you are grateful for. When we focus on gratitude, it creates strength. Strength creates hope. Hope moves us forward.” Leadership expert Dr. John Maxwell says, “Hope in the future creates power in the present.”

Start each day with gratitude. Find three things each morning you are grateful for, and make it a habit. Over 20 years ago, a friend suggested adding gratitude to my morning exercise and stretching routine. It changed my attitude to one of abundance by focusing on all I have instead

of what I lack. It made me a more positive person. A positive, grateful attitude helped me to get out of the wheelchair and begin running half-marathons again.

Thanksgiving is a good time to look at all the blessings we have. On our trip to Tokyo, a few years ago, from high-rise buildings as far as the eye could see were buildings. No trees. In downtown Charleston, Pittsburgh or Columbus, trees can be seen everywhere. When visitors come to our region, one comment I hear is how green everything is. In October, the company from Finland (which is 80% covered with trees) commented on all the trees we have. Something we may take for granted.

It is easy to overlook how important our spouse, parents and grandparents are in our lives until they are gone. I miss the smell of Mom’s nut rolls baking at home during the Christmas season. I took it for granted at the time without thinking someday it would end.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend time with our children and grandchildren. They grow up fast. We have lots of fond memories and family vacation stories. We have only one chance to enjoy them growing up. I am thankful for the opportunity to travel with Lynnda. Each day is a new adventure.

People in the U.S. have the rare combination of personal liberty and economic opportunity. We have freedom of speech, freedom to travel, freedom to start a business. There is no limit on how much money we can earn. In many countries, criticizing the government will get you thrown into jail or worse. The U.S. has problems, and the freedom to solve them. Lynnda and I have traveled to other continents and countries. They are nice places to visit. I’m thankful to live here.

At dark we flip a switch and lights come on. When it’s cold, we turn up the thermostat and get heat. Most people don’t give it a thought. Surveys show most people think electricity comes from “the wall socket.” They don’t think about all that is required to bring 24/7/365 electricity and natural gas for heat into our homes. The U.S. is blessed with resources like natural gas and coal to produce abundant, economical electricity. I’m thankful for 24/7/365 electricity.

A friend from India who works globally reached out to me this week. He sent an article from Euro News about European natural gas prices soaring to more than one-year highs, increasing 16% in November alone. They blame the price increases on a cold snap, reduced wind output and Russia-Ukraine tensions. Reduced wind output increases natural gas demand. LNG supply delays and high heating demand intensify availability concerns.

An attitude of gratitude can help us to avoid depression. It gives us strength and power in the present, creating a positive attitude moving us forward. “Thank you” are powerful words to express our gratitude to others. Starting each day with gratitude helps us become people others want to spend time with. Count your blessings. Be grateful!

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Greg Kozera, gkozera@shalecrescentusa.com, is director of marketing for Shale Crescent USA. He is a professional engineer with a master’s in environmental engineering and over 40 years experience in the energy industry. Greg is a leadership expert, high school soccer coach, professional speaker and author of four books and many published articles.