Do You Have A Gratitude List?

Wisdom Nugget: "Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously; and because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude."
                                                                                     - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

source: Photo pin

                                                                                                       
The dictionary defines "gratitude" as "the state of being grateful: thankfulness". Looking at the word, you'll notice its made up of two words "grateful attitude". Being grateful has to be evident in: the way you say it, to whom you speak it, in the words you speak and just in those, kind gestures, you exhibit which includes your mannerisms.

For some it could still mean appreciation, acknowledgement, gratefulness and honour. Severally we have underestimated the value, gratitude adds to one's life while some people have a hard time expressing gratitude outwardly. For people in this category, sometimes, all you will receive in return is a simple thank you when inside the recipient of your good deed, is welling up and ready to burst into tears of gratitude. Without mincing words, benefits accrue to those who show little acts of appreciation.

Gratitude has been said to mold and shape the entire purpose-driven life. It was Martin Luther king who referred to gratitude as " the basic christian attitude" Today its still referred to as the "heart of the Gospel" It's a personality trait, a mood and an emotion. Think back to a time when you were just so overwhelmed with something someone had done for you and you just had to blurt out a "thank you" That feeling of thanks, of gratitude could not be contained. Would you say the same? I am thankful for;

...the taxes I pay, because it means I'm employed.

...the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.

...a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.

...the lady behind me in church who sings off key, because it means that I can hear.

...the alarm that goes off early in the early morning hours, because it means that I'm alive.

...weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been productive.

Beloved, no wonder our nugget says "Giving thanks always for all things. No exceptions. The act of  thanks living. It is gratitude in action. It's a lifestyle. Every little thing in your life that gives you even the slightest bit of joy, every little thing that makes your day a little easier is worthy of true gratitude.

According to Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously; and because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude."

R Is For Reliability

Wisdom Nugget: "Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat - refreshing!"

Source: Photo Pin

In the real world, there is no such thing as a self-sufficient, super-capable superman, who tied his own boot strap and succeeded by his own personal efforts. We all need someone to succeed. We all need someone to lend us his shoulder for us to climb to our next level. It is called affirmation. No great man could succeed without it. It always takes the affirmation of another great man.

 When was the last time a friend got a job, passed an exam, secured a favour, got a break through or survived a difficult time in life because of you. As Arnold H. Glasow puts it, "A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down" Can you keep the secrets of a friend especially after you ceased being friends? Unfortunately in life "The shifts of fortune test the reliability of friends." It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who said "When friendships are real, they are not glass threads or frost work, but the solidest things we can know."

The truth, is that "Reliable people are so rare in this world."

When Jan Paderewski was to leave his native Poland to play his first recital in London, he asked an influential compatriot to give him a letter of introduction to a leading figure in Britain's musical world, who might be of assistance should anything go amiss. The letter was handed to him in a sealed envelope. He hoped that everything would proceed smoothly and he would not have to use it. He did not; his debut was a success and no snags developed. Some years later, while going through his papers, he came upon the letter and opened it. It read: "This will introduce Jan Paderewski, who plays the piano, for which he demonstrates no conspicuous talent."

"A doubtful friend is worse than a certain enemy. Let a man be one thing or the other, and we then know how to meet him." - Aesop.