Gratitude Is Grace

Having gratitude, appreciation and joy for the people, events and moments in your life is a reflection of who you are. Appreciation and gratitude is joy in action. It serves as the outward expression of what is important to you and in your life. In the chaos of everyday living it is easy to get caught up in the demands placed on us. It is easy to forget to give a simple "nod" to the bellman or a smile to a waitress. I find it can become very easy to be self focused and "righteous" about who I am and why the world should recognize me. But the fact is that I earn my self esteem and reflect my self value when I take a moment to compliment another or recognize someone else's contribution to my life. Often these times, moments, acts are seemingly small and simple things yet the little things are often really the big things in our lives. And the things that we brood over, show anger or impatience over or fuss about are often gone in a flash and to the point where we don't remember what was so important only minutes or hours ago. Take time to say "thanks" appreciate your goodness, say thanks to GOD for the toes on your feet, your eyesight and the people who touch you every day in some small way. Shared gratitude is contagious and truly a "pay it forward" type of energy. The expression of appreciation and gratitude is an investment in yourself and in your life. Be gracious to others and yourself by showing gratitude and appreciation.

Be Savvy in arguments

Often when trying to make a point or win someone to our way of thinking we engage words, tone or emotion in ways that are self defeating to our objective. This note is about removing harshness and confrontation from communication so that our message is more clearly heard and so that the reception, by the person we are trying to persuade, leads to the heart then the head.

It seems to me that our society has become, in many cases, too confrontational. The idea of drubbing someone, by force, to sucumb to our way of thinking is a step backward and has never worked, whatever the period of history. In most cases we destroy relationships, trust or belief in us if we attack another. In striving for success we want to engender positiveness and belief in our goodness and rightness. The best way to do that is to show your opponent or counterpart that you have their good being at heart, that you care, and that your position is of benefit to them.

Debaters, negotiators or anyone who wishes to make a point, have their idea well received, or win a discussion would do well to consider a very simple old adage; "It is easier to attract bees with honey than with vinegar". I recommend softening your tone, mixing in politeness. Begin with a compliment or agreement then make your point or idea in a friendly persuasive way.