22/11/2023
I shared this back about 6 years ago and saw it as I was scrolling thru my fb memories today.
With Thanksgiving upon us, and reflecting on what I’m thankful for, decided it was a good time to re-share.
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The below list was in an email sent to us by our Occupational Health Nurse at work this morning.
Reading it over reminded me that despite the ups and downs that life throws you and those you love, there are always things to be grateful for that you can visualize and keep in front of your head and heart to quiet (or at least subdue) those nasty pesky voices in your head* that tend to concentrate on the negatives and whisper doubts and uncertainty.
Being grateful can bring joy, ease and grace to accepting the things we cannot change with circumstances that are not what we imagined they would be and can create a sense of peace.
*What nasty voices in my head? I don't have any nasty negative voices in my head!
YES! Those voices. If you didn't have an inner monologue you'd be comatose, a newborn or dead.
Feel free to share or comment on this post about what YOU are grateful for in your life, no matter how small. ❤
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5 SIMPLE WAYS TO EXPRESS GRATITUDE EVERY DAY
Science tells us that grateful people are typically happier people. Being grateful makes us more optimistic and reduces negativity -- and that's a huge reason to make acts of gratitude a daily habit.
Try to think about what you’re thankful for at least once a day. If you begin to prioritize gratitude and recognize the things you appreciate most, eventually it will become second nature.
In light of small successes and simple acts of kindness, here are five ways to show gratitude every day:
1. Write in an abundance journal. Purchase a small notebook and keep it in your briefcase, purse or on your bedside table. Take a few minutes each day to jot down one or two positive experiences, or, alternatively, write down what you’re grateful for at the end of each week.
Include small acts of kindness: a stranger who paid for your coffee, someone who held the door open for you or a phone call or note of appreciation from a friend, client or colleague.
If you don’t write down these small moments of happiness, they will be easily forgotten. When you keep a journal, you can look back and remember how much you have to be thankful for during the times when life doesn't seem to be going your way.*** see Amie's note below***
2. Express your gratitude in person. When a friend, colleague or client goes above and beyond, be sure to verbalize your appreciation. Go to their office or treat them to lunch or a quick cup of coffee.
3. Show respect for those around you. Treat others with the same level of courtesy you expect to receive: smile, show kindness, exhibit patience and listen.
For instance, the next time you make a coffee run in the morning, offer to bring back coffee for someone else in the office, too. Wash your coffee mug in the office kitchen rather than letting your dirty dishes sit in the sink. If you see someone running toward the elevator, hold the door.
You know how nice it feels when someone takes a few moments to show kindness. Be that person to someone else.
4. Don't complain. When something terrible happens, it's natural to want to complain about it. You may become impatient with someone in line who takes too long to pay or moan to an employee about a difficult client. You may even complain to yourself when a driver cuts you off in traffic.
But every time you complain, you reinforce a negative state of mind without offering a solution to the problem at hand. Instead, next time you feel frustrated, take a few deep breaths and try focusing on something positive.
5. Volunteer in your community. There’s a well-known secret among long-time volunteers: an act of kindness does more good for you than those you’re serving.
If you’re short on time, choose a volunteer opportunity that requires only an hour or two each month. Volunteering gives you something positive to focus on and is a great way to give back to the community at large.
-Jacqueline Whitmore
Author, Business Etiquette Expert and Founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach
***Amie's note:
I once read about a happiness jar and made one for a friend who struggled with depression.
I bought an empty cookie jar from goodwill and blank slips of paper, which is all that is needed.
Every evening they would write something happy or positive that happened that day, no matter how small and drop it in the jar. On 'dark days' when things seemed dim and depressing they could open the jar and select at random their very own bits of happiness. That jar still exists and even though it isn't currently being added to on a regular basis ,it sits on a shelf, silent sentinel, holding bright moments until they're needed again.
