What are You Thankful For?
On this Thanksgiving holiday season, now is the time to reflect on what you are most thankful for.
This Thanksgiving message I shared some thoughts around Gratitude.
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Here are a few of the highlights from my latest PODCAST starting with GRATITUDE.
There are three levels of GRATITUDE:
1) Thankfulness
2) Appreciation
3) Generosity
One of Plato’s greatest observations was that “a grateful mind is a great mind, which eventually attracts to itself great things."
David Steindl-Rast, a Benedictine monk, once penned these beautiful words: “The root of joy is gratefulness. . . . It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.”
I often say, "Some people find difficulty in every opportunity, while others find opportunity in every difficulty."
Religious leader, Deiter F. Uchtdorf has advised:
"But some might say, “What do I have to be grateful for when my world is falling apart? Perhaps focusing on what we are grateful for is the wrong approach. Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be.
This type of gratitude transcends whatever is happening around us. It surpasses disappointment, discouragement, and despair. It blooms just as beautifully in the icy landscape of winter as it does in the pleasant warmth of summer... It doesn't take away the sting of sorrow or dimish our losses, but living in gratitude can bring a sense of peace, assurance, and even joy into our lives."
Og Mandino, renowned author once said, "You can never make any progress in your life, or your career until you “appreciate” the assets you already possess."
He went on to have an audience make a list of all their assets and put a dollar amount next to it.
1. What’s it worth to live in the United States?
2. How much value do you place on your loved ones?
3. How much worth is your home?
4. Your eyes?
5. Your hands?
6. Your feet?
Og Mandino went on to say, "You’re really quite wealthy, aren’t you? If it came down to a showdown right now, you wouldn’t trade what you have for all the gold in Fort Knox.
Regarding success and achievement:
In his book, "The Science of Getting Rich," Wallace Wattles said, “Many people who order their lives rightly in all other ways are kept in poverty by their lack of gratitude." "...the reason simply is that the mental attitude of gratitude draws the mind into closer touch with the source from which the blessings come. There is a Law of Gratitude, and it is absolutely necessary that you should observe the law, if you are to get the results you seek."
In the end, Gratitude is the key that unleashes abundance.
My suggestion is that you begin or continue looking for the good in yourself, others and your life – and be more grateful. It's a choice :-)
About TJ Hoisington:
TJ Hoisington is the bestselling author of If You Think You Can!, The Secret of the Slight Edge, and Return to Robinson Island. He has authored several high-performance training programs focused on personal development, leadership, customer service, sales, and creating thriving cultures. TJ's insights and workshops have been shared with many organizations around the world. (client list) Whether he speaks to audiences of 10 or 15,000 people, his mission is the same: to provide inspiration and tools that help people and organizations unleash their greatness within.
