Tag Archives: thank you

22

Being Grateful

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gratitude-logoOne of the simple things in life that we all know we should practice gratitude for the things we have in our lives that bring happiness.

It is easy to look at the struggles and challenges of life and forget to see all of the things that make each day a positive experience. One of the best practices is setting aside a time of day to look at the past day and decide what you are grateful for.

Build Your Mindset

MindsetIt is a great time to build your mindset of appreciation for whatever makes your life a little better. It is my practice to write ten things a day that I appreciate, and I try to make 2 or 3 new or original. This practice gets your mind looking for ideas that you might add to the list throughout the day. Seeking gratitude improves your focus to include good thoughts and moves you away from negative thinking and worry.

Open the Door for More

Being grateful and appreciating the positive things in your life opens the door for more of those things to come into your life. A gratitude journal is a reflective moment that will only make you happier and make you feel better about life and the things you experience in it.

Open-the-door-to-moreThe other choice is to complain about everything you don’t like about your experience. That only puts your focus more on those negative things, and of course, more of those things will come into your life. Nobody cares about your complaints; they are your issues. At best, anyone you are complaining to is just looking for an opportunity to share their grievances about why they are unhappy.

Like most things, it comes down to a simple choice that anyone can make. You don’t have to be intellectually superior to be grateful, but you must be smart. It will make your life better and bring more of what you want into your consciousness.

The Power of Thank You

hqdefaultThere is a lot of power in using the words Thank You! It has been clinically proven that if you thank a new acquaintance for anything they do, it makes them more likely to seek to further your relationship. Gratitude makes you physically and mentally healthier, enhances empathy, reduces aggression, improves the quality of your sleep, improves self-esteem, and makes you think more efficiently.

Best of all, there is no downside to the practice at all. Have you ever heard of someone being harmed by being grateful and saying a simple thank you? Of course not. Those two little words make others feel appreciated and open the doorway for more positive creation in your life.

Appreciation Game

A high activity that I read about is the Appreciation Game. When you are feeling angry, upset, or just in a negative mindset, it is because of the thoughts you are choosing to entertain. Our minds are fantastic tools, but they are only tools to be used by us. They are capable of thinking one thought at a time, and you decide the content, tenor, and tone of that thought. So you choose to find things in your life that you appreciate and think about. I understand the weather. I enjoyed my coffee today. It makes life better. I appreciate my spouse. I know the kind thing my kids did. I appreciate my health. I appreciate having money. I appreciate my success. I appreciate my life, etc. It will flip your mindset to the positive side if you let it.

Of course, you can choose to stay mired in the negative for whatever reason you want. Anger, jealousy, and judgment are just different masks of fear. These have something to do with not meeting your needs and some pain coming your way.

The choice is yours, live in fear, or live in gratitude.

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” —Gilbert K. Chesterton

“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” —Zig Ziglar

“Learn to be thankful for what you already have while you pursue all that you want.” —Jim Rohn

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” —Oprah Winfrey

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” —William Arthur Ward

 

22

Thank You Kindly

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Thanks– an expression of gratitude.

ThanksIt doesn’t matter who you express your gratitude toward in your daily life. It is only essential that you tell your appreciation to everyone you can by saying thank you for all opportunities. No matter where you are in life, there is a chance to thank someone and feel gratitude for what you do have. The energy created by using this simple sentiment will be dominant in your life. Gratitude is contagious in your life. If you are thankful for what you have, more things will come into your life. The beginning of this process is simple, consciously look for opportunities to say thanks today. It could be for something tiny, but the more you use the phrase “thank you,” the better your day is going to go. Consciously seek these changes in your thoughts, emotions, words, and actions today and see what stems from them. Focus and say thanks for everything positive in your life.

Thank You For the Good Things

The most comfortable place to start is with all the good things already in your life. It could be a job, your family, those who care about you, your physical and mental ability, the money you have, the trips you are going on, or any other positive thing that exists in your life right now. List them and appreciate them by saying thank you. And mean it, in your heart. Be grateful for being able to experience your life. It is a fantastic thing.

Every day we are given a gift of life and experience. You have a choice of what you do with that gift. Take advantage of it or waste it by feeling sorry for yourself or angry about a tiny aspect of your experience. One of the best choices you can make every day is to be grateful for the positive things in your life. The human mind can only entertain one conscious thought at a time. If you are thinking of the things you are thankful for, that energy will be transferred to the rest of your day. How many items should you say thanks for in your day that you take for granted? Count them.

Thanks for the Tough Times

All lives have moments that are difficult to experience. Challenges arise all the time. Some are very tragic, and of course, we can live without them. But once something has happened, it has happened, and no matter what you do, you can’t change it. All you can do is choose how you will deal Thankswith it now. Some choose self-pity and to kill their feelings with drugs or alcohol. That is not going to solve anything. If you experienced the loss of someone, be grateful for the time you had together. Thank them for all they provided in your life—the memories and lessons you learned.

Moving forward after a tragedy is complicated, but that makes it a fantastic thing. Sometimes the drama of life will wake you up to what you have been missing. Recognizing the words to thank you for at these moments is even more powerful. Always say thank you to those who matter to you because you never know when that chance for them to hear it will be gone forever. The tough times always wake you up to what you take for granted in life. As you get older, you experience more challenges and become more and more awake to the good things in life. Enjoy them and say thanks even when it is hard.

Thanks for That

There is a chance for you to appreciate things right at this very moment. Since the human mind can only think one thought at a time, if you are Thanks for everythingthinking thoughts that are consciously negative, feeling frustrated, angry, or judgemental of others, take a moment. Just take a moment and a deep breath and start thinking of the things you appreciate in life. Say thanks to yourself, the universe, or somebody else for them, and soon your mood will shift. It has no choice.

Every day will start to look pretty good when you start looking at things this way. Your mood will shift, and not only will your energy be more positive, but the energy of those around you will also seem more positive as well. Look at the world and take a moment to see the things right in front of you which are miraculous. The sky, the clouds, the sun, the moon, the stars, or just the current weather are all fantastic in how they work. Please take a moment and appreciate the grand scheme of things that brings them all about. Be conscious of the items in the world which are more significant than you. Say thank you to them.

Be Conscious of your Thank You’s

Today is a day like any other, but take time to notice the times you consciously say thanks to someone else. Even take extra time and look for opportunities to thank anyone and everyone you can. It takes just a little effort and see what the rewards are. Be grateful for what you have in each moment of every day. A place to live, a person who cares about you, someone to care about yourself: all of these can provide an excellent opportunity to say thanks. Be conscious today of that and the number of times you can say thanks on a regular, ordinary day. It all begins by noticing your thoughts and being aware of the emotions, words, and actions that spring from them.

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” — William Arthur Ward

“If a fellow isn’t thankful for what he’s got, he isn’t likely to be thankful for what he’s going to get.” — Frank A. Clark

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” — Oprah Winfrey

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

 

22

A Wonderful Life

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I don’t know about you, but I have always wanted to have it all. I spent hours looking outside of myself to find the things I thought would make me whole. I didn’t see the things in my life where I did have it all and didn’t grasp it tight or even enjoy it at the moment because I spent too much time and energy looking ahead to what I might create in the future to see the power and the joy I created in life to enjoy. Looking back provides a 20/20 picture of what was and the mistakes you made in direction and choosing to take yourself out of a situation where you did have it all.

Childhood Adventure

Many people use their upbringing to excuse tough times and poor decisions as an adult, and admittedly I have done this when I look back at traumatic events. But what I failed to realize then was how good I had in life. I was raised by people who cared about me. I had the experience of having great lifelong friends and had many adventures on my own, which taught me a lot about myself and life.

I remember every summer of my youth being spent on the welcoming waters of Dyer’s Long Pond in Jefferson, Maine. It was there I learned to fish, swim, water ski, boat, and sometimes get hurt. Boys play hard and sometimes not so bright. I was able to develop my imagination during those times because we had little else to do. That tool has been one I have most appreciated over the years.

Each day was an adventure, and I was able to see my grandparents pretty much whenever I wanted. I could grow, run, and learn about life. I never went hungry or was left in unsafe circumstances. I was cared for by all my relatives and neighbors in my life. So many people showed me so much kindness that one thank you might be too small a sentiment to show my gratitude, but it is the only phrase I have. I had it all and never knew it.

Love and Light

I have been very fortunate in my life to find love not once but several times.  Like many great things, too often, you don’t take the time to appreciate what you have when you are in it. I have become much better at this because I have seen the things which seem perfect and destined to be, fall apart and fade away into dust clouds of regret and loss.

I am not bitter because this is my path. I have chosen it as much as anyone wants anything. I was responsible for the people I decided to care about and the way it ended in most cases. I have also been responsible for keeping myself at a distance to feel safe. I remember being a young man in my early 20’s and thinking I had met “the one.” It was magical, and we had many fantastic times together. It was me that sabotaged that relationship, not her. We were in a situation where we were young and had our entire future to co-create in front of us, and I was afraid and didn’t speak of it. I just let it destroy the thing we had built. We had it all, and I never saw it. Sadly that isn’t the only time that has happened. These events may have occurred long ago or just a while ago, but they leave deep scars—very extensive wounds.

In The End

We all live our lives the best we can and try to find the best versions of ourselves. Too often, let petty emotions like jealousy and anger stemming from fear rule our decisions. It may seem that everything you want is out there, somewhere. But it all starts inside of you. You are looking at how you think and the actions you take. You choose to be brave, intelligent, kind, caring, and empathetic, or you don’t. That is on you and will define your life. I know too much of my time has been spent being selfish, self-centered, and afraid of allowing others to hurt me.

Even though life has been full of mistakes and times we should have appreciated more, we are still here and have a chance to have it all again in the next moment. This time to allow the wisdom of our past to guide us to a genuine appreciation of what we do have and the realization that we do have it all. That is a pretty good way to live.

“Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing is gonna be alright!”– Bob Marley.

“Take a deep breath and relax; it’s all going to turn out better than you expected.”

“Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise again.”– Victor Hugo.

“Keep your best wishes close to your heart, and watch as your world turns around.”– Tony Deliso.

 

21

Grateful

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Thank You For Being You!!

grateful Moving through your life, from task to task, work time to free time, one of the most important thoughts to keep in your consciousness is to be grateful for all of the things in life you experience every day. Some people and experiences bring joy, and some get lessons. All need to be appreciated for what they are because……….

Being grateful is an attitude that increases your positive energy, makes you more efficient and is in the doorway of abundance. In every situation, there is a choice of opinion. One can decide to be angry, disillusioned, bitter, or worried. Or a mind can be appreciative, grateful, accepting, and joyous. In each moment, the choice of gratitude exists, and I encourage you to be thankful in your thoughts, words, and actions today. Show that appreciation wherever you can by choosing the simple words, “Thank you!”

Don’t Take Things for Granted.

When life is going well in any area, relationships, financially, or achieving personal goals, take a moment and be grateful. Recognizing the presence of positive and enjoyable things in your life will open the doorway gratefulfor other “good” things to come into your life. Those who take things for granted tend to experience little to no joy, no matter what they have. Does it matter if you have everything if you don’t have the mental acuity to appreciate these gifts? Look to be grateful for the smallest of things, and joy will arise in you.

You never know when the good things in your life will pass away and disappear like smoke from a smooth summer’s fire. Each moment you have which are joyful and shared with someone you love should be appreciated, and a feeling of gratitude should accompany it. We are not guaranteed anything in this life, only a beginning, a middle, and an end. It is up to you to either appreciate your life and those in it. Or you can choose to take it for granted and be angry. This decision is one we make every day. Where are your choices leading you?

Say Thank You Often

In the course of your activity in a day, seek out situations to use the phrase “thank you.” Be mindful of why you use the term, and you will see more conditions the words can describe in your life. Each time you are grateful, from your heart, for something someone else has done, you increase the positivity of the world in just a fraction. Thank you have the power to show, share, and transfer the feelings of being grateful to other people.

It is also essential to be able to accept gratitude from others. If they take the time to acknowledge your acts of kindness with the words, thank you, make sure to keep the positive flowing by responding with a heartfelt word. The best one I know, I was taught by my great-grandmother. When I would thank her for one of the millions of kindnesses she showed me, her response was always cheerful and heartfelt “You are very welcome.” It still transferred the joy she felt in giving and made me feel loved and appreciated. Spreading that feeling can’t be a bad thing. Be conscious of the opportunities to thank you today and show how grateful you are for all things, big and small.

Appreciation Game

One of the most reliable ways to turn your attitude around is to focus on the appreciation game. This gratitude is the mental process of shifting your conscious focus away from negative thoughts of regret or anxiety and being grateful for the positive things in your life. Look gratefulat how fortunate you are. All people can find something to be thankful for having. Some can never find anything. The choice is always up to you and your mind.

Look at your life today and list, either mentally or on a piece of paper, things you are grateful for in your experience. Good weather, people who help you, people who care about you, coffee, reliable transportation, a job you enjoy, the ability to learn, an act of kindness, something in nature you witnessed, or anything you can think of experiencing. Just a moment of being grateful for each thing, and your mood will flip because it is tough to be negative and thankful at the same time.

Be grateful today, say thank you often, and count the good things in your life. It will be impossible to be in a bad mood. You will be a light of positivity. All this comes by becoming more conscious of your thoughts, words, and actions of being grateful in life. I thank those who have lied to me because I learned how much I value truth. Thank you to those who have hurt me because, through suffering, we find our most authentic selves and understand what is important to us. I thank those who count themselves as my enemies; you have taught me to understand the opinions of others never define my value.

“Develop an attitude of gratitude and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.” ~Brian Tracy

“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” —Charles Dickens.

 

 

 

21

Magic Words

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Your Words are Magic
Your Words are Magic

In the stories I was read as a child, there were many mentions of magic words and spells that would immediately change someone’s life or grant them a wish they desired. I never really understood that there are magic phrases that we can use every day that will have a profound positive effect on our lives and the lives of those around us, just like those stories. The best news is that you can start using them today, right now, this very second and see almost immediate results. These are four phrases that can change your life. They are part of something called Ho’oponopono.

“Thank You”

This is the first phrase, and hopefully, you are using this each day to show your appreciation and thank yougratitude for all that you have been fortunate enough to experience in life.  There is magic in this phrase because if you use it sincerely, you show someone you value how much they mean to you.

Take a moment and think of the time someone has thanked you for something. It makes you feel good, and most people want to pass that good feeling on. Being grateful will open the doors for more in your life, and thank you is the phrase that expresses this gratitude to everyone else in the world. Look for opportunities today to make sure you thank people for even the littlest kindness. It can change your outlook for the entire day.

“I’m sorry.”

These can be the two most difficult words to say, and I think that is what makes them so powerful. Putting im sorryyour emotions aside and focusing on how your behavior, thoughts, or words have harmed another is very powerful. Looking at life through someone else’s lens allows empathy, understanding, and compassion. Being sorry doesn’t mean you are wrong. But, it means that you understand how your actions have negatively affected someone else. Only healing and personal growth can come from the sincere use of these magic words.

“Please Forgive Me”

Forgiveness is one of the powers of the universe. It is healthy and creates positive energy. Asking for prayerforgive-me-2forgiveness is a robust recognition that you have hurt someone and you care enough about them to desire to continue the relationship.

Granting forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. Even though someone has wronged you, until you forgive and let those negative emotions go, they will be harming you. It isn’t an acceptance that what someone else did was right or wrong, and it is an acceptance that you are no longer going to let the actions of another control your life or feelings anymore. This phrase can have a profound effect when you ask it of yourself.

“I Love You”

In all things, there is a simple choice between fear and love. However, when you choose to express love, it will change the way you experience the world. Love for another, love for yourself, love for life are all great examples of this.

Love is a  complex emotion and brings with it many levels of intensity. However, in whatever form, there is nothing negative that the sincere expression of love can bring. Only a life that has more positive things in it will be fulfilling.  Love is the only natural religion the world needs; if everyone practiced it, there would be nothing but cooperation, acceptance, and understanding. The result would be a world full of happiness and contentment.

Use Them Today Challenge

So there you have it, four phrases that can change your life today. All you have to do is use them. The challenge for you is to try to use them all today. Consciously look for a situation where you can use these phrases and notice the results. Experience the magic for yourself.

Hits, Philosophy

Thank You! Be Grateful

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Being Grateful is Good

Be grateful for what you have
Smile Great things will Happen Today

The phrase, “thank you”, is one that we often times either forget to use enough or even more often forget how much it can mean to someone else.  Often times I think that we don’t properly thank someone when what they did was seemingly so insignificant to them that thanking them might make them uncomfortable.   Recently I met someone, who had never met me, and had no pre-conceived notions about me whatsoever.  We proceeded to have a quick ten-fifteen minute conversation in which I learned more about her and she more about me than I would have thought possible.  I mention this because that person, I am sure never realized what kind of impact they had on me.  I have never met anyone who had such a unique ability to make everyone around her feel better about themselves.  So I say “Thank you” to her, we may never meet again, but the impact on me has made me want to be more positively impactful on the people I meet.  I have made it a mission that when I meet people to try to make them feel like I felt that day.  I am so grateful for this encounter.

So if you have someone in your life, that makes you feel special, and you really appreciate them, let them know!  Tell them “thank you” and be grateful for all that they add to your life.  They may not be there forever. Feel free to leave your “thank you comments” at the bottom.

 Please enjoy these words of thanks by Joanna Fuchs.

Thank You for Being You
Thank you for your kindness.
Thank you for being the person you are:
kind and thoughtful,
sensitive and considerate,
a generous and thoughtful giver.
You are unselfish always,
putting others before yourself,
making me feel special and important.
It is a privilege and a pleasure to know you.