Show your appreciation for someone even if they are ‘simply doing their job’. It shows you value them – as a person, not just for the work they do. It doesn’t take long to say ‘thank you’, but it does take caring. Saying ‘thank you’ is mostly an emotional act, and it connects one person […]
Month: November 2019
Gratitude brings out the best in others
In addition to building our own happiness, choosing gratitude can also bring out the best in those around us; they’ll be happier and more engaged. Emotions are contagious. You can spread positivity. Gratitude is one of key ways to share positivity. People like to be acknowledged for what they do for us, or for just […]
There’s always some aspect to be grateful for
In every situation, there’s always something to be grateful for. Find the aspect to be thankful for. Someone criticized your work? At least they read it. So, thank them for taking the time to read it and providing feedback. Someone making you wait? Be grateful for the few minutes of downtime to just think or […]
Make gratitude a routine
Make gratitude a routine, independent of how you feel. Thank your spouse for something – big or very small – everyday. As routine as having your morning coffee. Finding a few minutes of uninterrupted time to think and thank is important. The time of day you practice isn’t particularly important, but a regular time will […]
Gratitude builds your happiness
Gratitude builds your happiness. There are many studies that show this. Science notwithstanding, we all know this from our own experiences. Choosing to focus on good things makes you feel better than focusing on bad things. Acting happy, regardless of feelings, coaxes the brain into processing positive emotions. Give thanks especially when you don’t feel […]
Gratitude opens all sorts of opportunities
Having sincere gratitude allows us see the world as wonderful – full of blessings, possibilities and opportunities. Being grateful builds happiness. Happiness makes you more pleasant to be around and likeable. And it opens your brain for creativity and productivity. These are all magnets for more good to come into your life. It all starts […]
Don’t belittle yourself
Don’t even think disparagingly about yourself. Your thoughts come out in your words and body language. If you think and speak poorly about yourself – no matter the reason – you will begin to believe yourself. Into a downward spiral. You won’t like being around yourself. And frankly, most other people won’t either. People like […]
Next steps after apologizing
You’ve sincerely apologized for the hurt that you have inflicted. What comes next? Actually, now it is all in the hands of the receiver. You can’t rush the process. After you’ve apologized, let the other respond as they feel. You can’t tell them how to feel. They are entitled to still be upset or sad […]
When apologizing, don’t insist on an apology back
If you did something that hurt your spouse – even if they hurt you too– own up to your part and apologize. Do not insist on a reciprocal apology. Don’t even anticipate one. You do what you should do. You are only responsible for and can only control your own words. The other person is […]
Don’t disqualify the positive in your life (even if it is ‘small’)
‘Disqualifying the positive’ is when someone recognizes only negative aspects of a situation while ignoring the positive. It sounds something like: “Yes, but…” or “That doesn’t really count because…” or “They only did that because …” — “It’s true that they gave me a gift, but they only gave it to me because someone reminded […]