The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things. ~Henry Ward Beecher
It’s easy to take being grateful for granted. It’s easy to say, “Yea sure, gratitude,” and wave it off as positive thinking ‘mumbo jumbo’.
Interrupt worry with gratitude.
We all have moments, or even days, when worry seems all-consuming. Sometimes, we worry about important things-our health, our finances, our family, our careers. Other times, we spend time worrying about little things, many of which, when we really consider it, don’t matter much in the grand scheme of life. Read more
Begin and end each day with a grateful heart.
Each day is a gift, something to unwrap, filled with discovery and unknown treasures. Expressing our gratitude for all of the blessings, beauty, and wonder every day offers, we invite happiness, laughter, peace, kindness, and satisfaction into our hearts and lives.
Gratitude has been proven by over 40 research studies to have long-lasting and wide-reaching impact on all aspects of life. During their extensive studies, top gratitude researchers, Dr. Robert Emmons and Sonja Lyubomirsky, have consistently shown that gratitude is essential to happiness and wellbeing. Read more
A new day…another chance to love.
Another chance to love yourself.
Another chance to love your spouse or partner.
Another chance to love your children.
Another chance to love your friends.
Another chance to love your enemy.
Another chance to love life.
Each day is a fresh start. Yesterday is over. Start today anew. Start with an open heart, filled with love, kindness, and gratitude. Those three things will get you far.
I am thankful for…
Nights that turned into mornings,
Friends that tuned into family,
And dreams that turned into reality.
What are you thankful for today, in this moment?
Studies show that people who express appreciation as well as those who write down their gratitudes are more satisfied with life. They are generally happier, healthier, and have deeper, more connected relationships. Read more
“You can’t live a positive life with a negative mind.”
Is the glass half-empty or half-full? Our response to this age-old question about positive thinking reflects our outlook and attitude toward life.
Positive thinking doesn’t mean our head is buried in the sand while we ignore unpleasant situations. Positive thinking simply means that we approach life’s challenges in a more positive and productive way. We believe the best is going to happen rather than the worst. Read more
Gratitude is the single most important ingredient to living a successful and fulfilled life. ~ Jack Canfield
Society often promotes success as based upon monetary and material things. But what truly makes life fulfilling and ensures success is being grateful for all we have.
Studies show that people who practice gratitude are healthier, happier, more productive, and earn more money than those who don’t appreciate what they already have. They have stronger relationships with friends, family, coworkers, and partners. An attitude of gratitude boosts careers, allows us to more easily overcome challenges, resolve problems, and manage stress. Read more
Blessed are those who give without remembering and receive without forgetting. ~ Carol Adamski
When we are able to give to others without keeping a running tally, this allows us to let go and boosts our overall happiness. We should give to others not out of a sense of obligation, but because we genuinely want to express that compliment, cook that meal, volunteer our time. To give freely means nothing is expected in return.
On the flip side, when we are given something, this is where we should be sure to remember the kindness extended or the gift presented. We should express our appreciation and let the giver know how much their gift meant. By showing our gratitude, even with a simple yet heartfelt ‘thank you‘, the giver will feel appreciated, our relationship with them will deepen, and mutually beneficial, positive feelings will result.
It may take some practice to give freely without remembering and receive graciously without forgetting, but it is something well worth the time and energy. The blessings that will grow from this practice will enhance all aspects of your life.
Compliments are gifts. Receive graciously and simply say, “Thank you.”
Everyone appreciates a compliment but many of us don’t know quite how to accept them gracefully.
Compliments can make us feel uncomfortable. We don’t want to appear as though we are ‘tooting our own horn’ by accepting a compliment yet at the same time, we want to enjoy it.
The best response when someone compliments you is simply: Thank you.
If that doesn’t feel like enough, try to keep your response short and sincere.
“Thank you, my parents gave this to me and it’s always been one of my favorites,” or ”Thank you, I really enjoyed presenting to your group,” or “Thanks so much, that means a lot to me.“
Accept All Compliment s
When we deflect or turn down a compliment, we are basically insult the giver.
Giver: I love your outfit. It was the perfect thing to wear to this event.
Receiver: Oh, this old thing? I grabbed it out of the back of my closet. I don’t really like it, but it was too late to find something better.
That response informed the person who complemented you that they have poor taste. Now they are wondering why they offered you a compliment to begin with.
What should you have said? Thank you.
Don’t Make Yourself Look Bad
Your manager told you that you did a fantastic job on a project. You don’t want to sound arrogant, so to downplay it, you point out all the things you should have done better. “Thanks, but I wish we would have finished earlier.” Or “I didn’t do much. The team really made this project happen.” While it is important to give credit to the right people, don’t reject credit you’ve rightfully earned.
By pointing out your mistakes or giving full credit to others, your manager may decide you’re right.
Avoid Arrogance
Overconfidence comes across as rude. If someone tells you your project was the best, or your outfit is fantastic, don’t agree. Simply say. “Thank you”.
Was that Compliment Sincere?
There are times you may question the sincerity of the compliment. Was the person being sarcastic, snide, or superficial? What were they really trying to say? It doesn’t matter. It’s not your job to judge the giver’s intentions when you receive a compliment.
Just say, “Thank you”.
When someone presents it to you, accept the gift of a compliment graciously.
Excerpts from SmartTalk.
The way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement. ~Charles Schwab
Appreciation and encouragement are powerful. They bring out the best in others. They bring out the best in us.
When we encourage others and express our appreciation for them, we strengthen our relationships with those people. We validate others by noticing the things people do, whether it is for us or for others. Appreciation nurtures self-worth, an open heart, and happiness, to name but a few.
And, when we lift others up and make them feel good, we in turn experience positive effects.
Gratitude and feeling appreciated are integral to our own personal happiness as well as the happiness of others. We all feel more worthwhile and complete when we are appreciated and when we appreciate.
Take time to notice and appreciate the abilities, talents, and positive attributes of those around you. Watch how your relationships and happiness flourishes!
