An Attitude of Gratitude

During the holidays, it can be easy to be grateful.  It starts with Thanksgiving when we go around the table and each declares what they’re thankful for.  Christmas comes and we want to do something special for everyone in our lives.  Although we often get wrapped up in the shopping and hectic running around of the season, there’s usually some moment where we stop and recognize that we’re grateful for something beyond ourselves: the kids excitedly opening their presents from Santa; a stranger letting you cut in line at the grocery store; snow on Christmas.  It’s these little moments that change our spirit during the holidays, but why does it have to stop on January 2nd?

We’re thrown back into our everyday lives.  No more parties or celebrations.  We’re back at work, running the kids to their activities, shoveling snow, and freezing.  

In the office, it’s the same way.  It’s easy to focus on the negative – the pay, the respect, the things that go wrong, that one coworker who likes to push your buttons – we all have our complaints.  But what would happen if we kept that gratitude with us throughout the year?  

Instead of counting to 10 when you’re stressed, count your blessings.  Take 5 minutes at the beginning of the day to log what you’re thankful for in a gratitude journal (they even have free apps for that!)  When you recognize what you do have, it de-emphasizes what you don’t.

Don’t get me wrong.  I have never been accused of being Susie Sunshine.  I am guilty of the negativity too, but maybe there is something to be said about keeping the holiday spirit throughout the year.  

I am making the decision to start now.  I’m grateful for being able to sit under a blanket with a warm cup of cocoa.  I’m grateful for having a job when a lot of people (especially my age), do not.  I am grateful for my many bosses who care about me and all of my coworkers who keep me laughing.  

COMING...