Hi,
This is Theresa Conte and thank you for joining me on this 25th day of 30 Days of Gratitude to Inspire and Uplift You.
Today,
As always,
I'd like to begin by sharing a quote,
And this one comes from John F.
Kennedy.
He said,
We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.
And now,
A thought to ponder.
Research shows that sending letters to express our gratitude to people who've helped us increases our happiness as well as theirs,
And lets them know how their words and actions have touched us.
Truly,
A win-win practice for all.
So today's gratitude practice includes,
You guessed it,
Thanking people who have helped you or who have contributed to your life in some way.
I suggest making a list of who they are and how they've helped you,
Then writing a letter thanking them for the difference they've made in your life.
You can even start by thinking of people from childhood.
Perhaps your list may include teachers,
Lunchroom staff,
Parents,
And crossing guards,
As well as those you've met and who have assisted you in your adult life,
Like college professors,
Mentors,
Coaches,
Employers,
Acquaintances,
Friends,
Family,
And other loved ones.
For instance,
I will always appreciate my friend Debbie's mother.
Her name was Gloria.
Debbie was my best friend,
And she lived down the block from me when I was growing up in New York.
We spent a lot of time together,
And I was at their house almost every day.
Gloria was like my second mother.
She took so much pleasure in listening to my stories,
As well as her daughter Debbie's.
Stories about boys,
And teenage issues,
And teachers,
And homework,
And everything in between.
I felt so acknowledged and validated by her taking the time to listen,
By sharing her insight and the laughter we shared together.
I had the good fortune of telling Gloria how much I appreciated her and her support.
I felt so grateful that I was able to express my appreciation to her before she passed.
It helped me recognize how much her support meant to me,
Particularly at a time in my life when I didn't feel I had as much as I needed.
She was there for me.
As an adult,
My friend Cynthia's support gave me strength when my dad died.
She came to meet me as soon as I called her,
And was with me throughout the entire process as I navigated difficult family relationships and sorted through the belongings at my father's house.
There have been many,
Many,
Many other experiences.
These are just a couple of examples to give you an idea.
Situations don't have to be grave.
Even someone complimenting us can be uplifting and make a difference in our lives.
There are so many ways we can feel supported and validated when we are open to experiencing them.
Notice how you feel as you do the exercise.
So stop along the way as you're writing your letter.
And notice,
Do you feel more open-hearted or energized,
More loving,
Happy,
Content,
And present?
If so,
Let yourself bask in the energy that your sense of appreciation provides for you.
Really take it in and let it sink down inside of you.
Why not make expressing appreciation to people who help or acknowledge you a daily practice?
How would that add more joy,
Abundance,
And fulfillment to your life?
And as a caveat,
Even thanking people who have already passed can increase your happiness as you express the gratitude you have for them.
It's never too late to appreciate the people who've made a difference in our lives.
I'd love to hear your comments if you find the process helpful.
Wishing you a most wonderful day.
