Take a Gratitude Break

An old Joni Mitchell song reminds us, "don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone." Stop what you're doing right now, look around and take a quick 30-second gratitude break. Take this moment to appreciate all the things you'd really miss if they were gone.

I'm writing about gratitude today because in the past couple of weeks, I've experienced some, shall we say "inconveniences" that have made me very grateful for the smallest things in my life...and also some of the largest. I'm really grateful for working indoor plumbing after the two weeks we spent having the floor in our master bath jackhammered; having to turn hot water on and off (at the water heater) each time we wanted to use it until we could locate and fix a leak in the plumbing.

Recently, on the hottest July 17 on record in Las Vegas (officially 116 degrees!), our power went out at 4 in the afternoon and remained off until midnight. Not only were we without air conditioning, lights and all the appliances we've come to rely on, but because our well is powered with electricity we had no water either! It has been a month that has tested my patience in many ways. But it has also strengthened my gratitude muscles significantly.

Today, my hot and cold water are running. The air conditioning is humming along keeping it a very comfortable 80 degrees in our home, and I'm sitting here as usual at my computer writing this message. Am I thankful? You bet! Oh and one more thing. On a trip back from Utah recently, a large blue tarp that had blown off of someone else's vehicle, blew directly into my car. Fortunately it wrapped itself around the front end of the car instead of my windshield...and I am definitely grateful for that.

Now, look around you again and take stock right this minute of all you can be grateful for. Your computer is obviously working, you're able to read, you're breathing, hopefully the air conditioning where you are is working. You have family and friends who love you, care about you and to whom you matter. I'm grateful that my husband knows how to get things fixed around our house, and that in the event of another power outage, we've always got the swimming pool!

There is no shortage of things to be thankful for right now. There is only the shortage of attention to all you really have to be grateful for. Join me in making this gratitude day. Stop several times today and complete this sentence: "Right now, I am grateful for...." It may not change any negative circumstances immediately into positive ones, but if it changes your mind, brings a smile to your face and allows you to pass that grateful attitude along to others, then it may yet change your world.

***********************
Quote of the Week
***********************

"Make the most of the best and the least of the worst." ~~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Betty Mahalik has been coaching small business owners, independent professionals and leaders who want to achieve more but stress less, since 1996. Her background includes several years in the broadcasting and public relations fields prior to starting her own firm in 1987. She is an accomplished public speaker and corporate trainer specializing in communications, goal-setting and leveraging your strengths. Since 2001, she has written a weekly motivational message, free to subscribers, titled Monday Morning Coach.

To subscribe or learn more about Betty's coaching and training services, visit http://www.dynamic-coaching.com

---

Positive Thinking - Anxiety & Panic

If you suffer with or have in the past suffered... Read More

Free Tips To Increase Self-Esteem

I have had many confidence issues in my life, all... Read More

Get Some Attitude!

You've been looking for a job for as long as... Read More

Fighting Terrorism With Enchantment

Many of you may look at my title and wonder... Read More

Prisoner of Attitude

"Thinking is responsible for man's primacy on earth today. Existence... Read More

Lifes Curveballs

Do you realize how good you have it? Yes, everyone... Read More

Positive Thinking: Are You Truly Being Positive?

Positive thinking in this day and age is a tool... Read More

How to Build Rock Solid Self Confidence

You have probably noticed those people at work, school, and... Read More

Positive Thinking on Negativity

The other day I bought an unusual piece of software:... Read More

How to Change Any Belief

I have studied the idea of changing thoughts to create... Read More

Are You A Victim Of FABS? Part One

Have you heard of the FABS? The FABS are quadruplets;... Read More

Gain Confidence By Avoiding The Trap Past Experiences Can Give You In Life

One of the biggest potential problems we face with every... Read More

Management of the Almighty Anger

Apart form the Emotions and the attitude, Anger is a... Read More

Improve Your Self Confidence

Knowing yourself is the foundation of self-esteem, self confidence and... Read More

Top Three Secrets To Becoming A Better Thinker

We all know there are ways to become a better... Read More

Stinking Thinking Makes Hope A Dope

Many centuries ago there was a Greek philosopher who lived... Read More

What Every Manager Should Know About How to Look Beyond His Attitude

Once we understand the difference our attitude makes in our... Read More

Positive Mental Attitude

1. Smile2. Laugh3. Greet people courteously4. Be enthusiastic5. Dream. Engage... Read More

Letter of Hope from Hospital Patient

Hospital patient undergoing surgery recounts how Hero Soul provided strength,... Read More

Don?t Worry, Be Happy!

Philippians 4:6-do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,... Read More

My Sunshine

"You Are My Sunshine My Only Sunshine You Make Me... Read More

Self-Confidence Sliding Downward!

There are times in all of our lives where our... Read More

Discovering Opportunity in Times of Challenge

You may be facing a type of disappointment, frustration, loss,... Read More

Turning Fear Into Power

How would your life shift if you moved into what... Read More

Being Assertive

Many people find it extremely difficult to be assertive, whether... Read More

How To Have A Life Changing Experience

Can you really plan a life-changing experience, or do they... Read More

Potency

No, not that kind.Power and potential are synonymous. Your ultimate... Read More

How Gratitude Can Be Your Partner in Life

Gratitude is one of the most important things you can... Read More

5 Ways To Use Mind Power To Maximise Your Potential

Why do patients who are given placebo pills report that... Read More

Taming Your Gremlin

"Who am I fooling?" "I'm a loser," "I'm too old,"... Read More

Having the Attitude I am the Greatest!

While trying to ignore my teen daughters rap music a... Read More

Affecting Positive Results Through Affirmations

Last time we talked about how to begin building the... Read More

Whats On Your Shift List?

The most happy and successful people on earth have a... Read More