A friend sent me this youtube video today. It seems appropriate to post at this time of year, Thanksgiving in America where I live, and while it is directed at thanking the military men and women who serve us, it is not political, for as the video states, it is about service. It made me think also of firefighters, policemen, and emergency medical services and of those who help after disasters. The average person can hardly envision some of what they face every day.
When is the last time you thanked anyone?
I had a recent occasion when I went back to express my gratitude for service that was exemplary. I don't think many people return to give thanks, and my family member was puzzled by my desire to do so. Yet the service I had received had been exceptional. Later the same day, while I was out, there was a follow up call from the individual who had helped me. He had not known that I had been in to express my gratitude, even though I had specified that it be passed along. I so appreciated the call, even if I wasn't there to take it. It's rare in this life to get a follow up call!
I don't hesitate to tell someone I appreciate what they are doing
And at the same time, I will gently complain (register comments) if there is need for improvement. I figure they'd rather know why you might never come back, rather than just lose your business.
Our gratitude is riches, complaint is poverty. Vivian Burnett
Oh boy, I so dislike it, when I get in complaint-mode. I try to turn it around pretty fast.
And when I'm with someone who is a constant complainer, I have to fight not to be dragged down by their attitude. Complaint only accentuates the negative, unless it is used to ask for a solution.
For example, bitching about traffic to those in your car, accomplishes nothing but complaint. The other drivers don't know you are cussing them out. But everyone in your car is tied up in knots.
We really are richer for our gratitude. Appreciation goes a long way to lifting other people's burdens that we might not even realize are there.
An on-going gratitude list
I keep a couple of on-going gratitude lists. I don't add to them daily, just whenever there is something significant or different. I decided to update my main list last night, reorganizing it by topic ideas, after reading a few lists others had written -- and I even added some of their ideas to mine. It's surprising how much there is to be grateful for, once you get started thinking about it.
Right at the top are relationships and friendships; family; health; spirituality; love and kindness; supportive people; prayer; the Bible; the online community; nature (trees and sunsets; rain and wind; sunrise; birds...) -- and so much more.
If you get in a funk, what do you do to get out of it?
Does it bother you if you feel like you are constantly complaining, even if you don't express it aloud?
How do you deal with difficult or irregular people in your life? Or are you the difficult person? (ouch) And if you are, how can you change?
Do you try to dwell on the positives of life? What is the latest thing you are grateful for?
Karin
www.savvythinker.com
Originally posted 2009-11-29 12:57:16.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Karin,
I’ll begin by addressing gratefulness, and yes that is a word–sounds like I made it up doesn’t it? Gratefulness. Anyhow, whenever I see a military personnel, I thank them for their service. I’ve even been known to thank crossing guards at elementary schools. After all, they keep the kiddies safe.
I always try to dwell on positives. There was a study done by Robert Emmons, PhD. (U. of California) and Prof. Michael McCullough (U. of M) which showed people who are grateful have a higher quality of life. Reporting fewer negative physical symptoms such as headaches, colds, were more optimistic, exercised more, got more sleep, and were more likely to help someone else.
According to Alice M. Isen (Cornell professor) good feelings generated by appreciation, intervene in the release of dopamine (chemical in the brain associated with happiness).
That being said, I’m thankful I stopped by your blog today.
Purple is my favorite color!
I really liked the list at your blog, Susan. It inspired me to reorganize my list — I keep it in a word file, so it’s easy to add something within a section. I think it will be a lot easier for it to be useful to me. I loved your format where you were specific. My specifics are in my head. My list is just enough to jog me to remember! I wish I’d be as eloquent as you!