It’s that time of year — when many of us are talking about what we are grateful for. What a wonderful fall tradition, (one of the best, I think). There is nothing that will get us into a positive frame of mind more quickly than truly finding what we’re grateful for or spreading gratitude, love, and kindness to others. I do acknowledge that for others, the holidays and this time of year brings about some sadness and melancholy. My hope is that if you can bring a small bit of gratitude, then you will feel better as well.
Before I talk more about how to bring gratitude to the forefront, I would like to tell YOU Thank You. Thank you for opening my newsletters. Thank you for the work you do to run your business. Thank you for helping and serving others in your community. Thank you for being you. Times are not always easy, and it’s hard sometimes to stay positive and in a place where we look for the good and what is possible among. Please know, through all of it, I see you, I serve you, and I thank you.
So how do we bring gratitude to the top?
There is the obvious way—saying thank you. Being thankful for those around us. Looking for beauty. But today, I want to talk not just about being thankful. I want to talk about BEING GRATITUDE. Yes, let’s personify it. Here’s what I’ve come up with.
1. Perform Random Acts of Kindness.
At least once a week, can you do something unexpected for someone—either a stranger or someone you know? I often send texts when someone pops in my mind to let them know I thought of them or that I love them. It can be that simple. Or let someone with fewer groceries than you in front of you at the line in the store. The simplest gesture promotes that BEING of GRATITUDE.
2. Write Your Successes Down Every Day.
This action is something I do with my clients. Can you make the last thing you do in your workday to write down three successes you had that day? They don’t have to be monumental. It could be that you made a phone call you’d been putting off. It could be that you focused without interruption for 20 minutes. ANYTHING could be a success. Too many times, we don’t give ourselves credit for what we do. We’re only beating ourselves up for what we didn’t do. Let’s flip it on end!
3. Do one thing that makes you smile or find a way to laugh each day.
I have a very good friend who is a guaranteed giggle or laugh, and I often call her so I can smile. As well, just looking out my window in the morning at the beauty of Pikes Peak or my street makes me smile. Many times, just sitting quietly is the way to that peaceful place, which I always try to put a small smile on my face while sitting. Be out of worry and in a place of simply observing and quiet.
Hoping this serves you well—I would love to know what else you do to BE GRATITUDE or which of these you want to put into practice. Let’s try it for a month and see how we feel. I’m in!
For those who want a little more, here’s a great article from Forbes about the benefits of gratitude.
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