““The books that influence the world are those that it has not read.”
―
Practicing Gratitude
Finding sources for lasting impact on your life
Below is a story that I happened to find on Facebook. Whether it has roots in reality or not is, in my opinion, beside the point. The content is what we’re after. Finding gratitude for those that shape our lives and gave us the depth that we have now. I used to laugh when adults would tell me ‘you get out of it what you put into it’. Some time later and I am FINALLY understanding what they were meaning. The more we gravitate toward things the more we share those ideals, feelings, rules. And, this is why I am sharing with you. When you want to change your life you absolutely need to do the foundational work for that. Just like with a house: it won’t continue to stand for long without a solid foundation under it. As individuals we want instant success without the work. I’m here to tell you that the work is necessary. In order to keep my mindset positive I find things like this story that help me make sense of the world, find inspiration and feed my mind so that I continue to point myself in the direction I want to go. Therefore I am practicing gratitude for the many lessons learned over the years that have propelled me forward.
It happened at a gas station in Minnesota, a dozen years ago…..
Doug Klares, was waiting for an egg salad sandwich at a convenience store when he picked up a slightly crumpled newsletter lying on the counter. Humble looking, with holiday clip-art graphics, that newsletter from the operations leader at the gas station chain was hardly something you’d expect to make a lasting impact on someone’s life. Then Doug started reading…
Doug couldn’t come up with more than a name or two—and that was precisely the point. The same thing happened to me when I read.
A lot easier to answer, isn’t it? These are the people who truly influence our lives—who, by their words and actions, genuinely make a difference. Simply because they care.So, I asked, “Who is on your list?” Doug didn’t hesitate to answer. “My dad,” he replied, his voice choked with emotion. “I lost him on 9/11.” No wonder he has kept that gas station newsletter all these years. In that extraordinary wisdom, from the most ordinary of places, he finds comfort and a constant reminder of the person who had the greatest impact on his life.Connective and cathartic, our memories of those who have made a difference in our lives help define who we are, how far we’ve come, and just how capable we’ve become. For some, that message is a pick-me-up in a challenging time in their career. For others, guidance on how to lead by meeting people where they are. And for all, it offers a thankful perspective.So, who are we grateful for? And do we strive to be all that they have been for us—as a leader, a colleague, a friend?Because here’s the thing, it’s never just about the title, the role, or anything else we aspire to. First, last, and always—leadership is about inspiring others to believe and enabling that belief to become reality. Indeed, this is the emotional, even spiritual, part of leadership.Two of the most powerful words anyone can say are “Thank you.” So easy to say, but so often overlooked. Practicing gratitude can create opportunities for growth.
What do we gain from what we put into our minds, ears, eyes and bodies?Great question. A lot. We feed off of the energy that we surround ourselves with. Consider the chaos of a messy room. How does it feel to come into that? How about listening to calming music instead of heavy metal or rap? The energy is different and therefore stimulates your brain differently. How do you feel after watching a horror film or a child’s show or a Hallmark Christmas movie? Each offers a feeling. Each offers a mindset. We determine what we put into ‘it’ and may often find ourselves saying the things we hear, doing the things we see, believing the things we read. When we want to see REAL change we have to put ourselves in a position of learning, place ourselves in the midst of the different.If you are looking for uplifting your mindset this season and making a positive change in your life….I’d happily suggest starting with this mindful exercise of observing what you put in your path. Does it make you feel good? Does it help you in your life? How, exactly, does it serve you in making the life that you want to have? Only you can answer those questions and determine your direction. Practicing gratitude is one really effective way to accomplish finding those answers. I wish you well and offer any help that I can with this! |
Take care & I’ll talk to you soon,
Julie