In 1998 I was laid off for the first time and even though I was eventually hired by the same company that laid me off, it was a difficult and trying time. As I bemoaned having to take a lower position with a lower salary many people would say, “Just be grateful you have a job.” This came from very well-minded individuals that truly cared for me but it sounded like a platitude and a cliché and so I didn’t take it seriously. Looking back, I wish I would have.
Though the phrase, “count your blessings,” may be overused, we shouldn’t let that detract from the efficacy of that statement. Counting your blessings really does make a difference. In several studies respondents were asked to count their blessings each night just before they went to bed. All of the respondents experienced a measureable lift in their mood. Simply counting your blessings, expressing what you are grateful for, will increase your positivity and improve your mood.
If counting your blessings can make a noticeable difference in your mood what kind of impact would you experience if you were to take gratitude to a higher level – something I call ‘radical gratitude’ – or ‘core gratitude.’ Radical gratitude is intense thankfulness that grows from the inside out, a feeling that emanates from your core so that it becomes part of who you are not just something you feel and do. Let me tell you how this came about.
Several weeks ago I was driving to the Phoenix airport contemplating an upcoming presentation where I would be speaking about radical gratitude. As I was driving, I was thinking how I could make an impact on the audience and help them realize the magnitude of happiness they could achieve by practicing this form of gratefulness. This thought came to me: “What if no one showed up for work today?” In an instant I was overwhelmed with gratitude that people would show up for work on that day! Think of how your life would be different if no one showed up for work. If you own a business or if you are a manager consider how different your day would be if you came to the office and found it empty. Think of how different you feel toward your employees by just being grateful they showed up!
I began to look around me noticing the thousands of people on the freeway that, like me, were on their way to work. I became overwhelmed with gratitude that touched me so deeply that it has become part of who I am. Since that moment, I have had an intense feeling of gratitude for everyone I encounter – even if they are not as pleasant as I would like them to be – I am grateful they showed up for work.
Radical gratitude is not just saying thank you with enthusiasm and it doesn’t mean you go over the top in your praise or appreciation. Radical gratitude is a deep appreciation for everyone and everything around you and a realization that your life is made better by so many people, things and events that too often go unnoticed. You will become happier and more positive the more you develop core gratitude. Take a moment right now, be still and ponder how your life would be different this very moment if no one showed up for work!
Kirk
Hello, I thought I would post and let you know your blogs layout is really messed up on the Firefox browser. Seems to work ok in Internet Explorer however. Anyways keep up the good work.
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Thank you for the feedback on the blog. I will check it out.