Living Thankfully: How Gratitude Shapes Our Lives and Legacy by Madeline Frank, Ph.D.

As Thanksgiving draws near, many of us pause to reflect on what we’re thankful for. But gratitude isn’t meant to be a once-a-year guest at our table—it’s meant to live with us every day.

Walker Larson, in his article “Planting Virtue: How to Raise Grateful Kids” writes that “Thankfulness is more than just good manners—it’s the foundation for good character, health, and happiness.” He’s absolutely right. Gratitude doesn’t just make us polite—it makes us strong, centered, and joyful.

The Power of Gratitude

When we count our blessings, something powerful happens. Our focus shifts from what’s missing to what’s meaningful. Grateful people are proven to sleep better, stress less, and smile more. They enjoy stronger relationships, better health, and deeper peace of mind.

Gratitude changes the lens through which we see life—it turns ordinary moments into miracles and challenges into opportunities for growth.

A Heritage of Hope and Gratitude

For me, gratitude is also rooted in heritage. My family’s story began with courageous men and women who emigrated from Europe to America—people who left behind everything familiar in search of freedom, safety, and opportunity.

They arrived with little more than faith, determination, and a belief that tomorrow could be brighter. Their legacy of perseverance and gratitude shaped generations to come. They taught us that blessings aren’t measured in wealth, but in love, resilience, and community.

The Women Who Modeled Gratitude

My mother, Romayne Leader Frank, was the granddaughter of European immigrants who believed deeply in education and self-reliance. She studied law while raising two children, scheduling her classes so she’d be home when we returned from school. We’d sit together at the dining room table—Mom with her law books, my brother and I with our homework. Whenever we struggled, she’d smile and say, “How about opening your book and looking for the answer?”

That simple phrase still echoes in my life—it taught me curiosity, confidence, and gratitude for the ability to learn.

My grandmother, Mary Chernick Leader, carried her parents’ immigrant values forward. She worked as a secretary, led a women’s stock club to teach financial independence, and volunteered with the Braille Society. I’ll never forget reading aloud to her at age seven, earning a tiny reward—a bite of chocolate and a sip of Coca-Cola—for each page. She made learning sweet in every sense of the word.

My mother-in-law, Pearl Neustein Berger, was the sixth of eight children born to European immigrants who taught honor, hard work, and faith. Widowed young, she raised two children on her own, working long hours at B. Altman’s Department Store in New York City. She insisted her children study, serve others, and attend religious services every week. Her quiet strength and endless generosity still inspire me. She was five feet one inches tall and to me she was one of the tallest and strongest women I have known because of her caring and commitment to her family, friends and helping others.


Pearl Berger’s sister, my Aunt- in- Law, Helen Neustein shared that same spirit of gratitude and grace. She was the 7^thchild of the family. Helen also worked at B.Altman’s Department store in the shoe department. She was a wonderful person with a very big heart raised with the values of honor and respect just like her sister Pearl. My husband, Allan, remembers her playing baseball with him as a child. She was always patient and kind. Helen was also about 5 foot one inch tall but she seemed 6 feet tall because of her caring and commitment to her family, friends, and clients.

These remarkable women—each descended from immigrants who braved new beginnings—taught me that gratitude isn’t about possessions; it’s about perspective.

How to Live and Model Gratitude

Gratitude grows stronger when it’s shared.

·       Start your day with reflection. Write down three things you’re grateful for.

·       Acknowledge someone weekly. A note, a call, or a simple “thank you” can make a difference.

·       Honor your roots. Remember the people who came before you and the sacrifices they made so that you could live the life you have today.

·       Teach by example. Model gratitude for children and loved ones—praise effort, kindness, and integrity more than achievement.

When ungrateful attitudes appear—especially in younger generations—use it as a teaching moment. As Dayton Children’s Hospital notes, helping children handle disappointment builds strength and appreciation.

The Ripple Effect of Thankfulness

Living a life of gratitude is more than good manners—it’s transformational. Grateful people are more creative, compassionate, and courageous. They attract positivity, deepen relationships, and face adversity with calm confidence.

Gratitude is a magnet for joy. It reminds us that every sunrise is a gift, every friendship is a blessing, and every challenge carries a lesson.

So, this Thanksgiving—and every day after—pause to remember where you came from and who helped you get here. The courage of your ancestors, the kindness of your loved ones, and the opportunities before you are all reasons to give thanks.

Count your blessings. Share your gratitude. And live your thanks—boldly and joyfully—every single day. © 2025 Madeline Frank

 

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations “Tune Up their Businesses”. Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter “Madeline’s Monthly Article & Musical Tips” and a monthly radio show “Madeline’s One Minute Musical Radio Show”. She has just published her new book “Leadership On A Shoestring Budget”. Her book is available at Amazon.com on Kindle or as a physical book. If you need a speaker or video speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com

 

 

PENNIES TODAY EQUAL PROSPERITY TOMORROW by Madeline Frank, Ph.D.

The Discipline of Saving and Investing: Paying Yourself First.

Learning to save and invest is not just about setting aside money—it’s about paying yourself first. It’s about ensuring that you’re prioritizing your future self and setting up a strong financial foundation for tomorrow.

My friend Stewart taught his teenage daughter the power of saving when she started her first job. He encouraged her to save 40 cents of every dollar she earned. She took this discipline with her through high school, college, and into her adult life. As a result, she is now the proud owner of two condos, thanks to her consistent saving and investing. This lesson, if shared widely, can create a ripple effect of prosperity. Learn to save for your future car, house, condo, or other essential needs—and share this mindset with your family and friends.

 

My Journey: A Lesson from Momma

I began my journey of saving when I was just 8 years old. My Momma, Romayne Leader Frank, asked me to bring the $2.25 I had saved from doing chores. “We’re going on a new adventure today,” she said, smiling. We drove to a beautiful brick building—the bank near our home. She introduced me to Mrs. Teller, who helped me open my first savings account.

 

I’ll never forget the way Mrs. Teller explained compound interest to me: “Compound interest is the interest you earn on interest.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand it, but I could see the magic in action. Every few months, Momma would take me to the bank to deposit the new money I’d earned, and Mrs. Teller would add the interest to my passbook, along with the compounded interest from the previous deposits. Watching my money grow over time became a thrill for me.

The Magic of Compound Interest

 

As I grew older, I learned more about how compound interest could work for me. The longer you leave your money invested, the more it can grow exponentially. The interest earned on your initial investment gets reinvested, so you earn interest on a larger and larger sum over time. This is why starting early is so powerful.

Let’s take a simple example: If you invest $100 and earn 5% interest annually, in one year, you would earn $5. But, the next year, you will earn 5% interest on $105 (your original $100 plus the $5 interest). The following year, you’ll earn interest on $110.25, and so on. This snowball effect can lead to wealth over time, especially if you start early and let your money grow.

 

Simple Savings Plans: A Foundation for Success

Before diving into more complex investments, it’s important to have a solid foundation of simple savings. Saving consistently and building an emergency fund will allow you to weather unexpected financial challenges and invest with confidence.

 

The Key to Simple Savings Plans:

1.    Consistency is Key: It doesn’t matter how small your contributions are; the key is consistency. Set up a savings account with interest and begin to save your money to make saving a habit.

2.    Emergency Fund First: Before diving into stocks or bonds, prioritize building an emergency fund that covers three to six months of living expenses. This gives you peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in case of a job loss or emergency.

3.    High-Yield Savings Accounts: If you’re keeping money in savings but don’t want to take on investment risks, consider putting your money in a high-yield savings account. These accounts offer better interest rates than traditional savings accounts, allowing your money to grow while remaining safe.

4.    Budgeting and Expense Management: My Momma taught me the importance of keeping a ledger, budgeting my expenses, and paying myself first. It’s important to track your income and expenses so that you can consistently contribute to your savings. 

 

Start Today for Prosperity Tomorrow:

As my story shows, the habit of saving and investing can set you on a path to financial prosperity. By starting early and consistently saving, you’ll see the compound interest work in your favor.

 

As you begin your own journey, remember that small, consistent actions can lead to long-term success. So, start saving your pennies today, and watch as they turn into your financial prosperity tomorrow. © 2025, 2024, 2019

 

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., DTM is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, speaker, business owner, teacher, John Maxwell Team Member, conductor, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations “Tune Up their Business”. Her observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. Her latest book “Leadership On A Shoestring Budget” is available everywhere books are sold. If you need a speaker or video speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com

 

 

 

Happy Thoughts to Begin Your Day! by Madeline Frank, Ph.D.

How to start your day with excitement and enthusiasm with an air of creativity!

 

Happy thoughts!

 

Do you remember as a child waking up at the crack of dawn, filled with happiness, excitement and enthusiasm because it was your birthday or a special holiday? 

 

Do you remember how excited you were?

  

Do you remember the gift you received and how you enjoyed unwrapping it?

 

One of the most exciting gifts I received was when I was an eight year old child.

It was a violin. That violin was my opportunity to change my life and brought me great joy!

 

Do you remember receiving a gift that changed your life?

 

When you remember that gift does it make you happy and grateful?

 

When I was 12 years old, I took Home Economics in public school. Momma bought me a used Singer Sewing machine so I could make the required clothes for class. I also made things for my younger siblings like bibs, handmade dolls, and aprons. It was a wonderful gift to learn how to do something new. The class also taught us to sew, with nice hand stitching to hem clothes, and cook basic meals! I smile as I remember this!

 

What is the difference between a day that feels like everything that can go wrong will vs one that feels like everything goes your way? 

 

It obviously starts with the beginning. 

 

I’m sure you know someone who walks into the office every morning, a grimacing look plastered on their face, and they usually look for the negative side of everything.  

I’m not sure how this person starts their day, but it probably looks like this:

 

· An alarm blaring at full volume, jolting them awake.

· Scrolling through social media (comparing yourself to others).

· Reading/watching the news (creating panic, fear, and doubt).

· Reading email (letting other people prioritize your time).

· Grumbling about going to work/school. 

 

If this is the foundation for your day, what lens do you think you will see life through that day?

 

You will likely focus on things you do not want.

You will likely look at lack, doubt, and hopelessness with greater importance.

You will likely quash most positive thoughts that enter your mind. 

  

Instead beginning your day like this:

 

1) Set your alarm clock to ease you awake (most phones have this setting to whisper you awake, rather than jolt you out of bed). 

 

2) Spend a few minutes in silence, focusing on what you are grateful for. It is easy to do this when life is going well…but it is essential to do this when life is not perfect. 

 

3) Move your body in some way, whether it is stretching or slipping into your workout clothes to get your heart pumping. 

 

4) Journal for 5 minutes about whatever flows into your mind. Positive ideas can be captured, and concerns stop renting space in your mind once they are put on paper. Send a note of encouragement to a child, family member, or friend! Write 5 things down you are grateful for!

 

5) Only read/listen to/watch something growth related or positive. 

 

It’s all about starting your day with gratitude and positive thoughts. 

 

So how can you give yourself a gift like this every day? 

·       Begin your day by thinking of joyful things and gratitude.

·       Don’t listen to the news. 

·       Don’t check emails for at least two hours after waking. 

·       Set your priorities for gratitude, growth, and challenge for the day (yes…we all need challenges! )

·       Fuel your mind by reading a positive article. 

·       Write a motivating encouraging note or thank you note to child, parent, or friend.

  

Thomas Dreier said, “Today should always be our most wonderful day.”

 

One of the most effective strategies I’ve discovered to set myself up for success is to ask a series of “power questions”.

 

For example:

What am I grateful for in the past 24 hours?

 

What am I excited about today?

 

What am I unsure of, but know I can conquer today?

 

Gordon Tredgold of Leadership Principles Ltd says, “People are more open to ideas, communication, opportunities, and ambitious goals when they are happy.”

 

He continues, “Happy teams are productive teams, and this productivity comes from people’s openness to be more inspired when they are happy, it increases their belief in what they are capable of and what they are prepared to try.”

 

Zig Ziglar, motivational expert and speaker said, “You have to feed your mind daily with the good, clean, pure, powerful and positive.”

 

So, what is the best way to start your day?

 

Give this strategy a try for the next 10 days and let me know how it works for you! 

 © 2025, 2023 Madeline Frank

Madeline Frank, Ph.D., is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, speaker, business owner, teacher, John Maxwell Team Member, concert artist, and parent. She helps businesses and organizations “Tune Up their Business”. Her observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. Her latest book “Leadership On A Shoestring Budget” is available everywhere books are sold. If you need a speaker or virtual speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com

 

Keys to Surviving During Times of Financial Stress by Madeline Frank, Ph.D.

I’m sure you’ve known people who seemed to have it all together. Great marriage, great physical shape, financial success, etc. Then tragedy struck. Whether they had a health challenge, lost a job, divorce, or worse…their spouse died. Their “perfect life” seemed to unravel and not long after they seemed destitute. 

 

Of course, it is necessary to grieve the loss of a loved one, a job, or anything else. Yet, proper planning can help a tough time, by giving you one less thing to worry about. 

 

 

Are you getting married soon? Several of my former students have just gotten married and next month another former student will be marrying his sweetheart. Whether you are single, married, divorced, or your spouse has passed away you need a plan in place for your financial future to protect you and your family. 

 

When I was engaged to be married, my Momma, Romayne Leader Frank, who was a lawyer specializing in Family Law and Real Estate, was getting ready to give a speech to the local Women's Club on "Financial Success".

Mamma had clients who were widowers, widowed, divorced, and single who suddenly had no money or credit in their own name. The credit card and bank accounts were in their deceased spouses name, their divorced spouses name or in their parent’s name which meant they did not have any money or credit in their own name and were unable to pay their bills and take care of themselves and their families.

 

My Momma asked me to listen to her speech to see what I thought of it! Momma spoke of the need for women to have credit in their own name, not in their spouse’s name, their former spouse’s name or their parents name but in their own name.

 

On that particular day Momma was talking to the Women’s Club. When she spoke to other organizations she said “Everyone, meaning both men and women, should always have their own separate checking, savings and credit card accounts in their own name so they would never find themselves without a way to support themselves and their loved ones.

 

I have over the years called our families’ accounts yours, mine and ours. The same name as the Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda Movie "Yours, Mine and Ours". 

In the movie the title referred to children though not to money. Over the years, I have shared my Momma's wisdom with many others. Her speech was well received by me and the Women’s Club and has stood the test of time. 

 

What are the secrets my Momma, Romayne Leader Frank taught for women and men to be financially independent?

 

1)    Open a savings account that is free or low fee in your name at a secure bank or credit union that is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and start immediately to put your money in it for your  nest egg. Also open a free or low fee checking account in your name insured by FDIC. 

2)    Get a credit card in your name at a very low interest rate and begin to use it immediately and pay your bill as soon as the statement comes in to establish your credit. Do not carry a balance. (Some credit cards now have an extra fee 2-3% surcharge added just for charging the bill.) The benefits of establishing credit are easily muted by paying 30% interest when you spend more than you can pay off! 

3)     If you own a home or are planning on buying a home make sure your name is on the title.  (Consult a recommended real estate attorney.)

Shop for mortgages. Rates change daily…and we are not likely to see a 3% mortgage rate again. Make sure you have a locked in ,fixed rate mortgage.

 If you buy a house make sure your name is on the title and before purchasing your house have a professional title search done to make sure there are no  liens or prior owners of the house.

4) If you are paying a mortgage on your house pay the bill on time. If the interest is too high, talk to the holder of your mortgage and get it moved down. Always get a fixed rate locked in mortgage.

5) If you choose to purchase a car and finance it, please be responsible. Too many people only focus on the payment instead of the total of payments. With very rare exceptions, cars always depreciate. Purchase a reliable vehicle at a price you can afford. Don’t worry about what your friends are driving…they won’t worry if you can’t make the payments on your shiny new car. 

 

If you buy a car make sure the title is in your name. If you are paying the car off each month pay the monthly charge on time. If the mortgage on the car is too high, talk the mortgage company into lowering the rate. Make sure you have a locked in fixed rate mortgage. 

 

The most important thing is to educate yourself on money matters. Whether you are 16 or 60 years old, never stop learning, yearning, or earning. © 2025, 2024,2019, 2010

 

 

 

Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, speaker, business owner, teacher, John Maxwell Team Member, conductor, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations “Tune Up their Business". Her observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your business successful. Her latest book“Leadership On A Shoestring Budget” is available everywhere books are sold. If you need a speaker or video speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com