“Give yourself a gift of five minutes of contemplation in awe of everything you see around you. Go outside and turn your attention to the many miracles around you. This five-minute-a-day regimen of appreciation and gratitude will help you to focus your life in awe.” ~ Wayne Dyer
I was challenged in a meeting on Monday to select two people and let them know how much I appreciate them. This made me stop and think about how I should work on this in my personal life as well. How many times do we just take for granted what others do to help us out without pausing to let them know what a difference it makes. Whether it is your best friend that can always talk you off the ledge or your kids’ volunteer coaches, let’s make sure that they know that they are appreciated.
I had someone tell me that they see Shaila dropping off the kids and picking them up a lot this summer. It made me pause and reflect how much she truly helps me out. She is amazing all the time, but extremely helpful during the summer. She is great about taking her siblings to all their activities and keeping the house clean and orderly for me. I really appreciate all that she does. I don’t tell Shaila how much I appreciate her and how much help she is to me, so she is one that I need to thank.
As for work, you are all amazing so I hesitate to even try to narrow it down, but if I reflect on today alone, I would thank Tonia Grady as she seriously makes me smile every day. She always seems to sense when I need a little sunshine and will pop in with a funny story or just a smile. She makes a difference, and I am grateful. I would also thank Dawn DePuew as she always brings me back to reality. She is extremely grounded and is a great sounding board when the day gets hectic, and I appreciate that very much.
I am sure I could pick many people each day that impacted me, but I regret to say that until challenged I didn’t pause to thank them. So, my challenge to you this next week or month is to find at least two people that you can thank for making a difference in your day or week.
“Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it.” ~ Ralph Marston
