Putting It On
Zig Ziglar, a famous motivational speaker with humble beginnings in the sales industry would talk for great periods of time, jumping up and down on stage, even in his elder years...about an attitude of gratitude and its importance that it should and must play in our lives. Now, let me be perfectly clear. I was naturally a pessimistic individual, and if you are unfamiliar with the term permit me a moment to elaborate. I can find a dark cloud within any silver lining. I would simply need a moment or two. The glass is half-empty and usually filled with stale soda. Brighter side? Paaleeaze! I have been, however, attending regular meetings and am now considered a "recovering pessimist". I get my one year token in...ah, who am I kidding? I'll never make it that long.
Through the many graces of my higher power, and much patience on the part of my lovely wife, I am slowly, but...slowly with style and then some learning how to be grateful for what I have and dressing in an attitude of gratitude. If you are like me, and are in some pessimistic recovery program then you know precisely of that which I speak. If you are seeking a way to begin to become humble and thankful, but are unsure of where to start...I may have a couple of suggestions.
1. Begin small. Hundreds of thousands of people all across this great nation of ours just took their last breath, are currently on their deathbed, or just lost a loved one. Can you still breathe? Are you able to sit up, walk around, and eat healthy Krispy Kreme Donuts? Did you put your own clothes on yourself? Brush your own teeth? Comb your own hair? If you just answered yes to any or all of those...give thanks.
2. Take a look around. Do you still have your parents with you? Many do not. Do you have friends? Spouse? Children? Consider them a blessing and give thanks. Do you have clothing? Money in the bank? vehicle? job? paycheck? Home? Freedom to practice your faith? One does not have to Google too long before discovering that many in the world do not have clothes on their back, Benjamins in the bank, change in their pocket going jingle-jingle-jingle. Many do not have a job, let alone one they enjoy. They do not have a vehicle to get them back and forth, to and fro. You probably know folks who do not receive a check at the end of the week and if you ever visit the big cities have definitely come across a few who do not have a home they call their own in which they bake cookies with their grandma, play games around the dinner table, or host thanksgiving. Give praise.
3. The first two will seem like child's play compared to this, ready? Give thanks out loud, to someone, for someone, for something. Write a note and hand-deliver it. Pick up the phone and call. Go directly to your boss, your parent, your teacher, your child, and verbally...eye-to-eye offer gratitude for the work they do that you'll never see; for the lessons they have taught you, or for the effort they make at school and at home. Do this very thing, if nothing else, and you will walk away on air giving the other person wings, but...then again...that's just my humble opinion.