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Love
wholeheartedly, be surprised, give thanks and praise -- then you will
discover the fullness of your life.
~ Brother David Steindl-Rast ~
Gratitude in
Action
by Leslie Karen Sann, MA, LCPC
The end of the year is a very rich time for me. It
may be the gift of living in the northern hemisphere when the days get
shorter and colder and I'm indoors more. Somehow this retreating indoors
is concurrent with more introspection. I find myself reviewing my year and
harvesting the gifts and blessings. "What have I learned? Who has
been there in service to me? For what am I grateful?," are questions
I sit with.
This month I have been playing with a new practice.
Before going to bed I reflect on my day and notice those people who have
served me to whom I am grateful. I allow myself to receive the blessing of
their giving.
Sometimes service can be as simple as expressing my
gratitude in a way that lets them know their contribution to me, as a way
to celebrate who they are and what they give. For example, "Thank you
for taking the time to be with me on the phone yesterday. I was out of
balance and your gentle attention helped me center and calm and I was able
to discover a good next action towards solving my problem."
Gratitude is easily discovered when we recognize the
effort another has made on our behalf. A giving on their part that they
chose to give in order to make a contribution to our well-being. We all
have a need to make a positive difference, so when I tell you how you
contributed positively to me, your basic need to matter is met. We receive
and then we give back with our gratitude.
Then I wonder how may I serve them in the future?
For example, I was visiting friends who went out of their way to make my
stay comfortable. I had landed in the middle of their lives and they were
graciously weaving my presence into their normal routine. Cleaning the
kitchen, playing with the dog, making breakfast, little things I could do
to put my gratitude into action as a way to give back for the kindness
that was given.
What do you imagine would happen if you made this
intrinsic shift to gratitude coupled with action? How might that shift
your focus, engage your creativity, and support you in experiencing life
as the blessing it is? How might you change the experience of your life?
What if each of made this shift? What do you imagine might be possible?
Warm regards,
P.S. To
read about changing relationships from the inside out read my interview
here: CoachMatch
Interview
P.P.S To
watch my appearance on the Bridal Wave go here:
Sustaining
Love in Relationships
NEW Living by Design PRODUCT:
The
Art of Spiritual Resilience
please check it out
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A Reader Shares a Win:
As a result of working with Leslie I have totally
transformed my relationships. I learned to choose a more productive way to
relate to myself and to others. I learned to wonder rather than jump into
a victim stance, or a hero posture. I use the tools I learned on a daily
basis. I am excited about my life, pursuing my goals, and maintaining my
vision. I have lost 30 pounds, let let go of a relationship which was a
burden and a weight on my back.
And I must again say thanks for all you've taught
me. You have helped me find the greatest abundance ... the kind only found
within.
~ Jimmie Daw, CPA ~
For More on Living by Design:
How
are you with the process of change?
Personal Coaching
Perhaps a personal coaching session with me could
support you in moving forward. leslie@living-bydesign.com. Building a
network of support is an important aspect of living by design.
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