June 19: Day 170

STONE TWELVE CONTINUED
 
Thank: I am grateful. Gratitude helps me bring out the positive in my life and also makes room for The Divine to bring additional positive situations, people, and spiritual experiences into my life. I thank those who have guided me on my path.

Instruction: See how gratitude improves daily life.

Perhaps we could take a day to concentrate on finding and taking advantage of every opportunity to practice gratitude. When we purchase a cup of coffee or something to eat, we could take a moment to look into the eyes of the person who is serving us and deeply express our gratitude for their efforts. Our goal should not be to see how gratitude improves our personal life as much as it should be to see how it affects the lives we encounter. When we give genuine and sincere compliments, praise, and gratitude, we should take a moment to notice if the person receiving the praise smiles a little brighter, steps a little lighter, and holds their head up a little higher. We have many opportunities in our lives to brighten another person’s day simply by noticing them and appreciating them. We also like to be noticed and appreciated, so we can understand how thoughtful and loving our actions are when we lift up another person.

This simple practice can spiral into a lifetime of being a kind and loving individual who, by simply expressing sincere gratitude, garners countless friends and few, if any, enemies. When someone appreciates me, my work, and my life, it’s difficult for me to be mad at them. After all, they have great taste. J Along with gratitude comes the practice of thoughtfulness. Someone who practices thoughtfulness sees the expressions of those who seem discouraged and empathizes with them. They often go a step or two further and offer comfort through listening, encouraging them, and finding something to admire in them. Gratitude will take us far in life, and in the end, it is not the things we do, the money we make, or the jobs we hold, but it is the way we treat one another, love each other, and appreciate and support our brothers and sisters. Gratitude is a spiritual practice that benefits those who receive as well as those who give. Both benefit. Who wants to pass up a win-win situation?

WARNING: Gratitude can also be misunderstood. If you take the advice that’s been given and take time to notice and appreciate people, they might think you have an ulterior motive. Some people might think you are flirting with them because you are being nice. This could be especially true if it’s a drastic change in your personality. There is a balance to be struck, and, unfortunately, we can’t control other people’s actions or reactions. We do have control over our own actions, and making gratitude part of our upgraded personality can have wonderful benefits.

Today’s Assignment is to be grateful to strangers who open the door, wait on you at a restaurant, clean up after you, or transport you around town. If you don’t go overboard in your praise or gratefulness, chances are in most situations your efforts will be appreciated and not misconstrued.