There are days on the calendar that lead us to pause from our busy schedules and make time for our friends and families. You’re likely already planning get-togethers on Thanksgiving and Christmas. These times are incredibly special to me, and like most people I will take time off work and travel to be with my nearest and dearest.

Veteran’s Day – and Remembrance Day in Canada – don’t always get the same attention. Of course, families with veterans or active service men and women pause and reflect on these days. My husband Mike served in the special operations unit of the Air Force for 17 years and I’m so grateful and proud of him. My father and many friends have also dedicated years of their lives to bravely serving our country.

If you don’t have family or friends who have served, you may find that Veteran’s Day goes by without much thought or introspection. You certainly appreciate the sacrifices made by veterans for your freedom and independence, but can you remember ever taking a few minutes to really meditate on the value of those gifts? I always make it a point to make some quiet time on Veteran’s Day to ask myself: Am I taking my independence or freedom for granted?

As business owners and entrepreneurs, we have the freedom to pursue our dreams. We have the privilege – and it is a privilege – to put our noses to the grindstone, work hard and build lasting legacies for ourselves and our families. The brave men and women of the air force, army, navy and marines put their lives on the line for our freedom. Expressing gratitude to these men and women – as well as their families – is paramount, but I believe we owe it to them and ourselves to really take advantage of our freedom to live, to dream and to EARN.

Are you waking up every day motivated and energized to conquer the unlimited, often untapped opportunities that stand before you? Let Veteran’s Day be a reminder of all that you have and everything you can strive for. Business may be struggling or you may feel discouraged by the obstacles you face in reaching your goals, but thanks to our veterans you have the opportunity, the independence and the freedom necessary to make changes in your life and produce the lasting results you desire.

To really feel gratitude for all you have, it can be helpful to give back and support those in your community who are less fortunate than you are. Consider volunteering at a soup kitchen or running a food drive to fill up your neighborhood pantry. You’ll walk away feeling truly appreciative.

I founded Celeste Giordano Coaching  because I was appreciative of my 36+ years of success in sales. As a master sales and business development strategist, I share effective strategies and tools that I’ve used along the way with entrepreneurs and business owners who want to achieve meaningful results. Contact me today  to make 2015 your most profitable year yet.

In the mean time, I challenge you to take a few minutes to appreciate past, present and future veterans and their families, and send your prayers their way.