Category Archives: Gratitude

“Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure…”

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“Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.”

– Mary Jean Irion, Pennsylvania Teacher and Writer

Photo from Flickr by Jan

Photo from Flickr by Jan

Have you ever sat in front of your TV, eating chips or another favorite snack, only to find your fingers at the bottom of an empty bag, searching for more, and wondering how you could have possibly eaten your way through all those treats?

Just like food we consume mindlessly, our days, months, and years sometimes fly by unnoticed, because we think there’s plenty more “in the bag,” or simply because we do not cherish each moment as a precious gift.

EXERCISE:

If you knew your days were numbered (which they are) how would you spend this “normal day”?

“The gratification comes in the doing, not in the result.”

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“The gratification comes in the doing, not in the result.”

– James Dean, actor

A coaching colleague, Michael Bungay Stanier, is a remarkable guy. He has built a fantastic company, Box of Crayons, and has written a number of outstanding books. Among them is one called Do More Great Work.

I find it interesting that this title emphasizes the act of doing, which comprises the vast majority of the time we spend engaged in our daily efforts, versus simply reaching the top of some professional summit or finish line, about to take a short-lived victory lap.

Exercise:

Please visit Michael’s website at boxofcrayons.biz and purchase his wonderful book and other resources to help you find your own gratification through doing more great work.

“When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted, or take them with gratitude.”

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“When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted, or take them with gratitude.”

– G.K. Chesterton, novelist

Since my mother Rose passed away 18 months ago, we have had the great privilege to have my father Marvin living with us. I must admit I was a bit concerned how it would change our lives, since not too long ago, Wendy and I became empty nesters.

At the age of 87, my father does not move as fast, and this has caused me to become far more aware of and self-reflective about my own life. I am pleased to say that with his wisdom and influence, I am taking far more things with gratitude than for granted.

Exercise:

Use today to slow down to half speed and look around at all the wonderful things that make up your life.

Go out of your way to thank those who are on this journey with you and consider sharing your insights about this exercise.

“Behind every able man, there are always other able men.”

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“Behind every able man, there are always other able men.”

– Chinese Proverb

Whether you read the acknowledgements section of a book, observe an acceptance speech, or observe someone who looks back on a life well lived, one thing is clear: no one accomplishes anything great alone.

Who are the family members, mentors, colleagues, coaches, advisors, etc who have assisted you along the way?

Exercise:

How clear are these people about the difference they have made in your life?

Which of these people might you want to acknowledge today?

Of these people, who would put you on their list?

#70: “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more…”

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“…If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”

– Oprah Winfrey

I watched the final three episodes of Oprah’s 25 years on television – and remembered how big an impact she has had on so many people. Her mantra has always been “live your best life” – and she always provided programming to help people do just that.

This quote, however, indicates the importance of accepting and being grateful for all of our blessings. It points to the current abundance in our worlds and in our lives, and shows how being thankful seems to attract even more good things.

Exercise:

Create a list of all the things in your life that you are thankful for, and keep asking yourself “what else?”

I hope you get writer’s cramp! 🙂

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#43: “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life…”

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“…It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

– Melody Beattie, self-help author

This quote seems to stand on its own. Answer these two open-ended questions and complete the exercise to explore its depths.

How can you shift your desire for more to being thankful with what you have?

How can you stop resisting the life that is before you, and allow and accept what is?

Exercise:

Make a list of all the things, people, and blessings you can be grateful for.

Please add the sheer blessing of being alive to your list – for without this, you would not be doing the exercise!

Quotes are posted on The Quotable Coach a week after being sent out by email. To get the latest quotes straight to your inbox, pop your details in the sidebar to the right.