The topic of gratefulness is one that is being talked about more than ever. Many studies have demonstrated the impact that the gratitude attitude has on our happiness. (Note: gratefulness and gratitude are synonyms, so I use them interchangeably in this post.)
One of my favorite speakers, Andy Andrews, says, “More often than not, the happiest people you know are happy because they choose a perspective of gratitude.”
Shawn Acor, CEO of Good Think, Inc., described an experiment where some participants took note of things for which they were grateful on a daily basis. It turns out their moods and attitudes improved from that one simple practice. Shawn is a fascinating and funny speaker – check him out on this TED talk. http://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work
Some years ago my sister Barbara gave me a marble hand called the hand of gratitude. The idea behind this is that each day you place one polished stone in the hand and give thanks for something specific. When the hand fills up, you remove the stones and begin again a new day..
Along with other items of personal significance, the hand with its stones rests on my nightstand. Each night before I close my eyes, I give thanks for one person or one event from my day. It’s not necessarily a huge event (as in, “I’m so grateful for winning the Nobel Peace Prize today!”), and if I’m choosing a person to express gratitude about, it’s not always someone close to me or someone I love.
Tonight my thoughts shall be for a co-worker with whom I had words last week. In the midst of a business merger where everyone at work is stressed and maxed out brain-wise on figuring solutions, he and I both had unrealistic expectations of what the other of us “should” be doing to fix the other’s issues. But we made up today, and that deserves gratitude.
The art of being grateful is a wonderful habit to cultivate. In this green growing season of spring, plant some gratefulness seeds and watch them bloom.
To my readers: Tell us one person or event for which you are grateful for today and why.
PS – And yes, I would be quite GRATEFUL if more readers would reply to my invitations to share a story. That’s a big hint!
I’m grateful to have friends like you and the other MAMAS as we all continue this journey of healing together.
To my readers who don’t know what MAMAS is, the acronym stands for Mothers Against the Misuse and Abuse of Substances. We’re moms who have lost a child to alcohol or drug related reasons. We’re a small local group whose members support each other and provide a shoulder to cry on, ears to listen, and hope for the future. Thanks for writing, Joan.
I am feeling grateful for my husband, Doug, today as we head to our northern home in PA. We live six months in Florida and six months in Pennsylvania and sometimes the transition is a bit overwhelming to me. Doug patiently makes trip after trip carrying bags and boxes of our belongings out of and into our homes. Each year I tell myself to cut down, but each year our Expedition is filled. Doug never complains and I am “most” grateful that he puts up with transporting some of my favorite plants that I just can’t leave behind. My husband is a hard worker and I am grateful to have him by my side., especially today with all the work ahead of us.
Hi Linda, thanks for being a faithful reader. Give Doug an extra hug and let him know you “bragged” on him in a public forum!
I am grateful for many things this morning! I am grateful for my loving wife and children – they are a real blessing. Second I am grateful to have successfully completed the HLI Class with a dynamic group of young industry leaders – they are truly inspirational. Norma really motivated us to think about public speaking as an avenue to interact with people and to seek encouraging, positive relationships. Thank You Norma!
Tom, thanks for reading and replying back. The group was fortunate to have you in the class as I know they gained much from your perspective as an experienced leader. Keep in touch!
I am grateful for my children who even though they are grown they continue to keep me young and for the grandchildren they have blessed me with
Ann, thanks for sharing. And they are fortunate to have you as a mom and grandmother. I know that you bring joy to their lives by your spontaneous sense of humor.
Today as my husband and I placed bouquets of flowers on the graves of our loved ones (our mothers and fathers, our two baby brothers, a son-in-law, and a nephew) we were grateful for all the beautiful memories we have of each of them. I have often told Norma that when I walk away from those cemeteries, it is a reminder that “life goes on.” And I am grateful once again for each day that is given to me.
You are a faithful “rememberer” and I love that quality in you.