Oct. 30, 2007 - Gratitude & Appreciation

Gratitude and Appreciation Have Power!

Sometimes we have to slow down and think about what really makes a difference!

This week, focus on the "who" you are being, rather than "what" you are doing. Focus on the people, not the things. Lily and I and her mother have been sending out thank you notes and blog replies on her birthday wishes and presents! It has been very fun and I know she felt very special. But appreciation is welcome year round...so here are some thoughts to help you be more in the groove.

"Decide to be happy, knowing it's an attitude, a habit gained from daily practice, and not a result or payoff." Denis Waitley

Your energy projects and returns like a boomerang to you. Attitude is a potent ingredient in the success recipe. Gratitude & appreciation are the two important keys that unlock the wealth of positive attraction. You can't always determine your circumstances, but you always have a choice in your response.

1. Gratitude starts with noticing the positive around you, rather than the scarcity. Where ever you focus your energy, it will increase. If your energy is directed to what you DON'T have, you'll notice more of that and pull more of it to you. You actually have the power to reinforce & create scarcity as your reality. When you shift your focus to the positive, you impact not only your attitude, but the energy, circumstances and people that are attracted to you.

Coaching Tip> Every day record at least 5 things you are grateful for. After the obvious has been chronicled (having a roof over your head, your relationships, your health), dig deeper to see abundance that exists that you haven't been consciously aware of. Buy and read SIMPLE ABUNDANCE by Sarah Ban Breathnach for a daily dose of inspiration and commonsense.

"It's not what you get in life, it's what you give that truly matters." Joeann Fossland

2. Extend your gratitude to others. One of the greatest gifts you can give is to Acknowledge others with honest appreciation. Most of us are appreciative, but don't take the time to tell people. Studies show that appreciation for a job well done is more important to most people than money. Remember how you felt the last time someone acknowledged you. Spread that feeling around this month!!!!! We are going to be in the month of Thanksgiving shortly!

Coaching Tip> For the next 30 days, find 3 people per day to express appreciation & acknowledgment to. A simple, short thank you note can make someone else's day. You'll notice the faces light up when you do this and people will want to be around you more. For the coming holidays: create memories! Remember YOU are the gift to those who love you: schedule time to create something special to be remembered and cherished.

" Experience is not what happens to a man. It is what a man does with what happens to him." - Aldous Huxley

3. Plan 2008 once you have taken the time to complete, acknowledge & be grateful for this year. Since your attitude & perceptions shape your view of what you can accomplish in the future, adjustment here provides a strong foundation for next year's success or failure.

Coaching Tip> Review this year and be grateful for all you learned & accomplished. Acknowledge the wins, let go of the losses & regrets, appreciate the people who played a role with you, clean up the loose ends. You'll then begin 2008 with a fresh slate, ready to attract the abundance that is waiting for you!

"Giving is the secret of a healthy life. Not necessarily money, but whatever a man has of encouragement and sympathy and understanding." - John D. Rockefeller Jr.