Category Archives: Gratitude

Take a moment today to write a Thank-Me note

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Take a moment today to write a Thank-Me note, a conscious expression of gratitude toward yourself.

—Calm App Reflection

Image created in Canva

As a business professional for over 40 years, I’ve come to learn the value of a courteous “Thank You.”

I fully support the idea that we work best with people we know, like, and trust. If your upbringing was like mine, your parents and others strongly encouraged — and most likely exemplified — this grateful gesture throughout their days.

We were always taught to focus on others and not ourselves, and most people learned to place their gratuitous efforts elsewhere.

When we experiment with this idea and flip it around to thank ourselves it feels awkward and a bit narcissistic.

If we ask ourselves objectively who did the work and took the necessary actions to get where we are, we can justifiably pat ourselves on the back and truly appreciate our disciplined efforts.

EXERCISE:

Take out a piece of paper and write a Thank Me note to yourself.

Begin by listing the things you do each day without thinking that serve you in being your best. If you are willing, send a copy of your letter to barry@dempcoaching.com

“The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest.”

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“The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest.”

—William Blake, 19th Century English poet

Image from Unsplash by Kim Turk

How thankful have your felt lately? What are the things you appreciate the most? Try rattling off a list or 10 or even 20 items that come to mind.

Did you have clean water and clean air on your list? How about nutritious food in adequate amounts?  What about having shelter and people who care about you?

Dig a little deeper into your list-making effort to determine your essentials. Notice your level of gratitude for the things many people don’t have or live in fear of going without.

It is puzzling to note many of us focus on what’s missing and our wants for more instead of being truly thankful for what we already have in great abundance.

EXERCISE:

Where and how can you be a far more thankful receiver?

Where and with whom could you be a more generous giver to support others in having a more plentiful harvest?

Being grateful doesn’t have to be some grandiose thing

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Being grateful doesn’t have to be some grandiose thing. Examine little pleasures and let them land in your awareness.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Timo Volz

Take a deeper plunge into your senses today. Note what you are seeing, feeling, hearing, tasting, and smelling.

In just the past few hours I…

  • Saw sunlight reflecting off a lake
  • Felt my soft pillow and cool sheets against my skin
  • Heard the sound of falling rain
  • Tasted my favorite oatmeal on-the-run breakfast
  • Smelled fresh coffee brewing

EXERCISE:

What are some of the little pleasures you experience throughout your day? How can you be even more present and grateful for the blessings we often overlook?

Make a plan to create and savor more downtime. Discover and experience where less is often more.

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Make a plan to create and savor more downtime. Discover and experience where less is often more.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Kelly Sikkema

What will you contemplate or savor during your next downtime?

Learn to press the pause buttons of life, to cherish and savor these quiet moments — reflect and contemplate your life.

Examine the richness and abundance all around you, and develop an attitude of profound gratitude for the wondrous miracles that surround us.

When we unplug and pause, new things begin.

EXERCISE:

What will you do to carve out more downtime in the days ahead?

How can you more fully experience pauses in your days to savor the richness and beauty of these special moments?

 

“Don’t do hard things alone.”

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“Don’t do hard things alone.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by Martin Péchy

Wendy and I are in the process of doing a very hard thing. We’re moving from Michigan, our home for 34 years, back to Pennsylvania, to be close to family and friends.

This decision came about due to several factors, including my capacity to coach from anywhere with a solid Wi-Fi signal.

We have so many people to thank and are quite clear that trying to list them all by name would surely leave a few out, so here is the general list of the villagers who came to our rescue:

Family – especially our children Contractors
Friends Storage Unit Professionals
Realtors Movers
Financial Advisors Home Buyers and Sellers
Lawyers Coaches and Mentors

EXERCISE:

Where have you — or where are you — in the process of doing something hard?

Who are the people to thank or request additional aide to pull off the monumental moves in your life?

 

“The reality of where you are is always more important than the ideal of where you imagine you should be.”

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“The reality of where you are is always more important than the ideal of where you imagine you should be.”

Jeff Warren, Canadian author and meditation teacher

Image from Unsplash by Alejandro Piñero Amerio

For the past few months, I have added Calm’s daily trip to my meditation practice. Jeff Warren, the author and narrator of these ten-minute segments, put the practice of meditation and mindfulness into an edgy and contemporary perspective, which I find novel and engaging.

Today’s quote is satisfying and reassuring. It reminds me to more fully appreciate where I am and what I have. This feeling and knowing helps in my happiness efforts and expands my capacity for gratitude.

EXERCISE:

How would embracing the idea that “someday” is not actually a day of the week help you live more fully today? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves — we might miss something very important.

 

“Nobody notices what you do until you do not do it.”

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“Nobody notices what you do until you do not do it.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by John Cameron

How tired do you feel at the end of a long, challenging day?

Before you head to bed tonight, look at all you did personally and professionally to serve and support others.

How much gratitude and sincere appreciation came your way?

Alternatively, how much and how many of your efforts seemed to be taken for granted or were simply expected by those around you?

Who would notice and what would they notice if you did not fulfill your duties?

Now reverse the situation and look closely at what all the people in your world do for you. Where are you missing or taking for granted the multitude of efforts of others due to your ingrained expectations?

These days, perhaps more than ever, we need to see all people as essential workers who make our lives much better for their generous efforts.

EXERCISE:

How might paying closer attention to the big and small efforts of others, and a few more words of acknowledgment and appreciation help all of us fall to sleep tonight with a smile of satisfaction?

 

“Why do you get up in the morning?”

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“Why do you get up in the morning?”

—Dan Buettner, New York Times-bestselling author

Image from Unsplash by Somnox Sleep

I like to start each day as purposefully as possible to learn and grow, to express gratitude and especially to find ways to serve others.

Writing The Quotable Coach post most mornings over the last nine years is one important expression that meets all of the criteria. Today I am getting up a bit early to go shopping for food for us and a close friend.

What are some of the important reasons you get up each morning? What goals and intentions empower and energize you, make your day special for yourself and others? How will spending your day this way put a smile of satisfaction on your face when you lie down to sleep tonight?

EXERCISE:

Consider exploring the 2200 Quotable Coach posts that are sorted by categories. Please consider sharing this resource with others whom you wish to support and serve in the coming year.

Thank You!

Happy Thanksgiving

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Happy Thanksgiving!

It’s been over nine years and 2,200 posts – I am motivated by your continued readership and grateful for your comments.

Over the years, we’ve looked at motivational quotes covering nearly 200 categories or topics. Take a look at the right sidebar, scroll down till you see “categories” and take your pick!

May your days be filled with Thanks-Giving.