Gratitude, A Story, A Question and Five Tips
by Rita M. Thompson
Personal and Educational Coach
Gratitude is a strength of the heart, an appreciation of another’s excellence in moral character (Dr. Martin E. P. Seligman), and a positive emotion that opens your heart and carries the urge to give back (Dr. Barbara Fredrickson).
Gratitude is one of my strongest strengths, making me enjoy life more when I use it and increasing my resilience during difficult times.
Here is one of my stories.
My neighbor during my pre-teen years was an elderly woman living alone. One time, I noticed her lawn was unusually overgrown, so I mowed it for her.
Over thirty years later, 3000 miles away, I was raising my two young daughters alone and received a call from her. She was in the area and wanted to treat the three of us to lunch. As we ate and shared experiences and memories of home, I realized what a wonderful gift she was giving my children. My own gratitude surged and I savor that time. It still has the power to elevate me, even as I write.
What’s your story?
What happened to you in 2009, or before, that made you more grateful, helped you appreciate another person, or made you love life more? Think of that time, how you felt, what reaction it created in you, and what is it’s effect on your life now?
Here are five tips that can help your gratitude practice.
One. You can write yourself a story about a gratitude moment in your life. While you write, savor the time and what it meant to you.
Two. You can keep a diary of gratitude events that happen as you go through life.
Three. You can, on a weekly basis, have a gratitude recall of three blessings, good things that happened to you that week.
Four. You can think of something you can do for someone else, whether you know them or not, and do it graciously, without a sense of duty or expectation of return.
Five. You can take a fresh look around you with an open mind and heart, growing in appreciation for the wonders that are there for you to find, in nature, in other people, and in events that occur.
My January, 2010 free teleconference will be on “Gratitude, What’s Your Story.” You can listen, share, and grow on January 6, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific, 11:00 a.m. Eastern.
E-mail me at rthompson48@comline.com. for your free teleconference number-only long distance charges may apply.
Send me your story ahead of time if you would like to share it with others on the call.
My next Gratitude Class, “Gratitude In Action” starts January 16, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific, and ends five sessions later on February 13, 2010. Cost is $125 per person, payable in advance by sending a check to Rita M. Thompson, 3185-D Via Buena Vista, Laguna Woods, Ca 92637. For future class notification, e-mail Rita your intent.
Rita M. Thompson
Personal and Educational Coach
www.coaching4positivechange.com.