Hey Friend,
Has your GQ (Gratitude Quotient - I just made this up, but I like it) dropped this past year? If so, you're not alone. Lately, it just seems like it's much easier for me to focus on all that's NOT going well in the world than what is.
The truth is that focusing on the negative stuff in life does come more naturally for most of us, which is why, when living in a world that's becoming increasingly toxic and polarized, we need to be more intentional than ever to be grateful. This is vitally important for us and for those that we touch through our sphere of influence.
Joel (my son) and I were talking about this earlier this week. During our conversation, I said, "Buddy, I want to bring positive energy into relationships and conversations, not toxic energy. I want my energy to be characterized by belief, possibility, and genuine gratitude when stepping into conversations."
Maybe you can relate? If so, let me recommend three simple practices to begin immediately to raise your GQ.
Use frustrating or upsetting situations as a cue to identify something good happening in your life. Instead of allowing negative experiences to trigger complaints or criticism, use them as cues to stop, find one thing you can be grateful for, and then write it down or speak it.
Consider praying a prayer of thanksgiving before each meal. James, the half-brother of Jesus and one of the authors of the New Testament, once wrote, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights." Mealtime is the perfect opportunity to pause briefly and consider all of the blessings that fill your life and who the source of those blessings is. Giving thanks before each meal is a powerful but simple way to recognize and honor THE source of all of our blessings, not the least of which is delicious food that is enjoyable to eat and sustains our physical lives.
Write at least one thank you card every week. There is nothing that helps you raise our GQ like taking the time to acknowledge all of the ways, both big and small, that people add value to our lives. I have done this for years, and few things make me genuinely happier and more grateful than sending thank you cards to people. You can write to the person who smiled as they waited on you at the check-out counter and went above and beyond with their customer service. Or how about writing to someone at work who continually looks for ways to help you win and succeed in your job. You may even write to the attentive nurse who cared for you so wonderfully in the hospital -- or your parents for always being there when you needed them. This simple exercise holds SO MUCH POWER! It will make you a happier, more grateful human. And if you are willing to give this a try, DO NOT send the thank you in a text or an email! Take it up a level. Purchase a nice thank you card and handwrite the note -- even if your handwriting is atrocious like mine. Buy a stamp and snail mail it. This demonstrates intentionality and thoughtfulness. It shows that there is a cost involved and that they are more than worth the investment. This will change your life and the lives of countless others who need to be thanked and know that they matter.
Do these three things consistently, and you will become a happier, more grateful person. In addition, you will raise your GQ and have a profound influence on others while you're at it.
I hope this helps.
May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving from all of us at Bill Cox Coaching.
