This season is a perfect time to examine your level of personal gratefulness.
Are you growing in thankfulness -- or struggling with gratitude?
Thomas Merton once said, "Those who are not grateful soon begin to complain of everything."
And I believe it's true.
Lately, it seems much easier to focus on all that's NOT going well in the world than what is. Focusing on the negative stuff in life comes 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.
Joel (my son) and I were talking about this recently. 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 become increasingly grateful.
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 opportunities to stop, find one thing you can be grateful for, and then write it down or speak it.
Consider a thankful prayer 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 and consider the blessings that fill your life and the source of those blessings. Giving thanks before each meal honors THE source of all of our blessings, not the least of which is delicious food that sustains our physical lives.
Write at least one thank you card every week. Nothing helps you raise your GQ (Gratitude Quotient -- I just made this up, but I like it) like taking the time to acknowledge the people who add value to your life. I have done this for years, and few things make me happier than sending thank you cards. 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 succeed? You may even write to the attentive nurse who cared for you so wonderfully in the hospital -- or your parents for always being there for you. This simple exercise holds SO MUCH POWER to make you a happier, more grateful human. And if you give this practice a try, don't send a text or email; take it up a level and write out a physical card. Use stationary and handwrite a note -- even if your handwriting is atrocious like mine. Then, buy a stamp and snail mail it. By doing this, you are demonstrating intentionality and thoughtfulness. You show that there is a cost involved and that they are more than worth the investment. This practice of writing thank-you notes benefits both you and those you choose to recognize and appreciate.
These three simple practices have helped me become more grateful.
So if you're struggling with gratitude this holiday season, pick one and try it out.
You may find what I also discovered to be true about gratitude -- that as you grow more grateful, you become happier and more positively influence those around you.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving from all of us at Bill Cox Coaching.
