“I’m blessed – thanks!” This is how the finance guy of a local car dealer shared with us in response to the question that we are all asked daily, “how are you?” His response not only made us feel good, we ended up having a very meaningful conversation during our 15 minutes together. Even though this was a couple of years ago already, I have never forgotten how inspiring his response was. I’m still trying to change my habitual “I’m good” response to one of gratitude like above. Not only do we feel better when we choose a grateful response, we have the ability to elevate those around us.
Gratitude Teachers
There is so much I want to share about gratitude, as this is one of my favorite teaching and topics to live. All of the master teachers that I’m learning from stress the importance of gratitude. In fact I was just listening to an interview of Anthony Robbins who said that the secret to living is giving. I heard how Wayne Dwyer gives thanks whenever he sees a penny, dime or any change on the ground by picking it up and saying a prayer of gratitude for how financially blessed he is. During an interview with the authors of Project Everlasting as my husband and I recently won a national love-story competition (mentioned in C is for Connection blog) they said how the marriage masters interviewed for their book and documentary explained that love is a four letter word: GIVE!
Gratitude Reminders
What I need are gratitude reminders, those little things to help keep me on track to remember to stop and appreciate all the blessings in my life. If you could only choose one thing to work on in your life that you bring you the most happiness and abundance I believe it’s about learning how to be grateful. Embracing a new mindset – an “attitude of gratitude” has transformed my life. While I’ve always been an optimist by nature I realize how many of my thoughts were not. Yet practicing this skill over the years through keeping gratitude journals, researching it, teaching it all have helped me tremendously think grateful thoughts and thus act accordingly.
Gratitude in the Workplace
The first thing that I suggest to those at work who are struggling with someone in particular or with the workplace in general is to keep a gratitude journal. Every day for 30 days write at least one thing that you are grateful for with that person or that place. Then focus on that grateful thought for the day. You’ll be amazed how just shifting your thoughts for a month will provide you a new perspective. You might even be as grateful as my friend who did this experiment for 30 days. It was around day 23 when she called to tell me how good this attitude of gratitude was going with her boss. In fact she didn’t have to journal any more as he decided to leave the company! 🙂
Insert the word thank you into your thoughts and actions. This alone has helped me remember all the ordinary things that we take for granted to be thankful for. Meister Eckhart’s wise words tell us, “If the only prayer you say in your life is “thank you,” it would be enough. Linda and I would like to THANK YOU for taking the time to read our blog and provide comments.
How will you give and live gratitude today?
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For more resources, see our Library topic Spirituality in the Workplace.
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Janae Bower is an inspirational speaker, award-winning author and training consultant. She founded Finding IT, a company that specializes in personal and professional development getting to the heart of what matters most.
Janae Bower of FindingIt is an inspirational speaker, award-winning author and training consultant who helps others get to the heart of what matters most.
Linda Ferguson wrote the book "Path for Greatness: Spirituality at Work" and has presented workshops around the country on aligning our gifts, passion and purpose.