Sunday Reflections with Samantha Graff Benmor
As we head into Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada, I’ve been thinking about what gratitude really means to me.
Of course, Thanksgiving is a beautiful reminder to appreciate the people around our tables, the food we share, the memories we create and the many blessings in our lives.
But somewhere along the way, gratitude became much more than something I reflect on once a year.
It became something I practise every single morning.
And I can honestly say it has changed my life.
I believe I am living my best life.
Not because everything is perfect. Not because every day is easy. And certainly not because I have figured it all out.
But because I’ve learned to appreciate the life I have, the people in it, the experiences that have shaped me and even the challenges that have taught me something along the way.
And I certainly didn’t get here alone.
For those who know me, you know I love people. I love their stories. I love understanding how they got to where they are today, the good, the bad and everything in between.
I love connecting people, learning from them and, whenever possible, helping them move forward and create the life they want to live.
But something I haven’t shared much about is a little morning ritual that has made an enormous difference in my own life.
My daily gratitude practice.
It begins with the rather worn and wrinkled piece of paper you see in the photograph.
About six or seven years ago, Waleuska Lazo, whom I affectionately call the Gratitude Queen posted this on social media.
I immediately printed this page of affirmations about gratitude, health, wealth, love and positive thinking.
And I have been reading it every single morning ever since.
Yes, every morning.
It’s faded, it’s wrinkled, and it’s certainly seen better days. But I wouldn’t trade it for a fresh copy. It has become part of my story. Ok i have reprinted it and have it under favourites on my phone for when too.
After reading it, I have my little chat with G-d.
I thank Him for the day before. For what I experienced physically and emotionally. For the people I connected with, my family’s health, the conversations I had, what I learned, what I received and, just as importantly, what I was able to give to others.
Some days there is so much to be thankful for that it’s easy.
Other days require a little more thought.
And perhaps those are the days when this practice matters most.
Next come my nine mantras.
Almost ten years ago, Steve bought me a little angel with nine beautiful messages. I’ve called them my nine mantras ever since, and I repeat them every morning.
Then I finish by thanking G-d for today and all that it may bring.
That’s it.
Nothing complicated. Nothing expensive. Just a few moments of intention before the day takes over.
And I can honestly say this simple habit has changed my life.
You see, I haven’t always been particularly kind to myself.
Like so many of us, I could be my own harshest critic. I would focus on what I hadn’t accomplished rather than what I had. What I could have done better rather than what I had done well.
Gratitude helped me change that conversation with myself.
It taught me to acknowledge my efforts, appreciate the little things, celebrate other people’s successes and recognize that a good life isn’t measured only by achievements.
It’s measured by relationships, experiences, kindness, growth, love and the energy we bring into the lives of others.
I see this in my professional life too.
After more than 30 years in real estate, I know that a home is so much more than bricks and mortar. It’s where people have lived, loved, celebrated, struggled and created memories. As I say, home is where your people are.
Sometimes my role is to help someone begin an exciting new chapter. Other times, it’s to help them close a difficult one.
And I’m grateful for the trust people place in Cheryl, our team and me, particularly when life is complicated and emotions are running high.
I also see the power of connection through FAB Ladies.
One of my greatest joys is bringing women together who may have never met, watching conversations unfold, friendships develop, ideas get exchanged and people discover just how much they have in common.
There is something incredibly rewarding about creating space for others to connect, support one another and grow.
And I always walk away having gained something myself.
The older I get, the more I realize that success isn’t just about what we accomplish. It’s also about who we share it with, who we lift along the way and who has helped lift us.
So today, especially as we celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to say thank you.
To my family, my friends, my colleagues, my clients, the people who have trusted me, supported me, challenged me, taught me, laughed with me and sometimes simply listened.
To the people who have been in my life for decades and those I’ve only recently met.
To the people who have opened doors for me and those who have allowed me to open a few for them.
You have all contributed to the life I am so fortunate to live.
And please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not suggesting everyone needs to read affirmations, speak to G-d or follow my morning routine.
This is simply what works for me.
But I do believe there is something powerful about consciously acknowledging what is good in our lives, especially when life isn’t going exactly as planned.
Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring life’s difficulties. It means remembering that even during difficult times, there can still be something worth appreciating.
And perhaps, most importantly, learning to appreciate ourselves along the way.
So this Thanksgiving weekend, I’m sharing my rather battered little piece of paper and a small part of my heart.
And I’m taking a moment to thank every person who has contributed to my journey, personally and professionally.
Some have been beside me for decades. Others have only recently entered my life. Some have taught me lessons without even realizing it.
Every one of those connections matters.
I truly believe I am living my best life, and I know I didn’t get here alone.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian friends and family. May your weekend be filled with love, laughter, meaningful connections and a little time to appreciate just how much there is to be grateful for.
And I’d love to know: Is gratitude something you consciously practise, or something you find yourself reflecting on at special times of the year?
With gratitude,
Samantha Graff Benmor The Graff Group Toronto | Icons of Real Estate Experience. Empathy. Results.
