I have had some more "awakenings" in the past few days! Of course it is things I have heard before, but it is amazing when you actually take the time to apply some things, and actually take the time to process some things, what can happen!
I think the 3rd PC meeting Bruce went on to talk about gratitude and proposing the scenario that if Kym were on her death bed, how his mindset might change regarding all of her little idiosyncrasies versus how he had been currently viewing them. Were they still things that drove him crazy, left him resentful, bitter, and joyless......or were they things he came to accept, support her with, maybe even enjoy a little?! Why does it take an extreme situation to occur before we can go there on our own. Why would we choose to live that way, without a sense of gratitude, and looking for the positive in others; complaining day in and day out about how this person isn't living up to our expectations (that we have probably placed on them......that is a whole other issue for me that I will not get it to at this time :) )? We should instead think of embracing them for all of their warts, being grateful for what they do add to your life, and start supporting them in some areas where maybe they do indeed fall short and WANT the help!
It was an extension of the above conversation with Bruce that led me to his idea of "living gratitude." (Sorry Bruce I am totally stealing this one!...and thank you by the way!) The random, sporadic acts of gratitude and truly appreciating others, wanting to give what you can to those who need help, praising them in what they do, letting them know how much you appreciate their efforts......the list is endless. Again, Bruce coined it as constantly putting in "chips" in your "relationship baskets" with others. The question is: how active is your gratitude?
My big focus this week is just that: living gratitude. And guess what....IT FEELS GOOD! I hope this made sense. You know where to find me for more clarification!!
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Mandie is turning into a full fledged blogger!
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspiring reminder as I start my day. It is like you are journaling how your changed "attitude of gratitiude" is working in your life for the rest of us to model in our own lives.
I, for one, am going to do exactly that today. I am going to be extra conscious of how fortunate I am in all situations.
I wonder how I will feel at the end of the day?
I am grateful that Bruce is grateful,that Mandie is greatful.
ReplyDeleteIt is not bunk that a positive approach to life is indeed contageous. And when I catch a glimpse of it as Mandie has, I want more!!!
What caught my radar in what Mandie said was that reality with life is an awakening. In reality when I accept, support, and even enjoy all in my life, is when I am most complete.
Living with gratitude for me is akin the scale of justice and the fact that I must keep the scale in balance. I is my natural tendancy toward the negative and thus I actively pursue the good, the positive, and the joyful in daily life events. It sometimes is difficult to find the positive but when the scale is in balance,as
Mandie said it feels good.
Another point Mandie made was the point at which we realize a need and want for change. For some folks like myself it takes the form of a tragic life event. Perhaps that is not necessary for everyone but I believe to one extent or another the cage must be rattled to enable real change with the principals which we present and are.
Anyway I am fortunate today I can sense the positive in many if not all life events.
Enjoy the day!
Tom Mac