The attitude of gratitude

A 4-year-old actress was appearing in a movie with an aging, crotchety star. One day, the star came on the set made up to the nines, and the little girl said to her, "Gee, you look so nice."

The actress made a pouty face and replied, "What am I supposed to say to that?"

The little girl politely remarked, "You could say 'thank you.'"

Never pass up an opportunity to express gratitude! It is better to say "Thank you" and mean it, than to mean it and never say it.

Years ago, I was at temple for the High Holy Days, and there was a young family in front of us. I told the mother how well-behaved her children were. A short time later, I received a letter from the woman thanking me for my comments. It obviously meant a lot to the parents.

I thought to myself how many times over the years I observed something similar that deserved a compliment and didn't say a word. Unexpressed gratitude is useless.

Motivational author Glenn Van Ekeren said: "Never underestimate the value of a kind word, appreciation, encouragement or a compliment … no matter how small it might seem. You have five minutes to make a call, send an email, write a note or personally impact someone's life. What are you waiting for? Go do it." 

Thanksgiving is a duty before it's a feeling. Thanksgiving is good, but "thanksliving" is better. Gratitude shouldn't be an occasional incident but a continuous attitude. Thanksgiving is a college from which we never graduate. 

Let's explore the importance of showing gratitude in both personal and professional contexts. For starters, on a personal level, expressing gratitude to family and friends can deepen your connections. When you show appreciation, it reinforces bonds and fosters a sense of belonging and trust.

Gratitude has been linked to improved mental health. It can reduce stress, increase happiness and even improve sleep. A simple "thank you" can go a long way in uplifting both the giver and the receiver.

Practicing gratitude shifts your focus from what's lacking to what you have, promoting a more positive outlook on life. This can enhance your overall quality of life and make you more resilient in the face of challenges.

On the professional side, acknowledging colleagues' efforts in the workplace can lead to a more motivated and engaged team. Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to be productive and committed to their work. Sincere appreciation and praise are the lubrication that makes life more enjoyable.

A culture of gratitude can transform the work environment, making it more collaborative and supportive. This can lead to higher employee retention and satisfaction.

Showing gratitude to clients and partners can strengthen business relationships. It demonstrates professionalism and can lead to increased loyalty and referrals.

In both personal and professional contexts, gratitude is a powerful tool that can transform relationships and environments. It's not just about saying "thank you," but about genuinely appreciating the people and opportunities around you. Gratitude is the glue that binds relationships together.

A teacher once asked her students to list what they thought were the Seven Wonders of the World. Most students wrote down the usual suspects: the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, the Grand Canyon and so on. However, one student had a different list. She wrote: "To see, to hear, to touch, to taste, to feel, to laugh and to love."

The teacher was taken aback by the student's perspective and realized that sometimes, the most wondrous things in life are the simplest ones we often take for granted. This story reminds us that gratitude is not just for the grand gestures or monumental achievements, but also for the everyday wonders that enrich our lives.

Sometimes, the greatest wonders are not built by human hands but felt by the human heart.

On a personal note, I am grateful for all my readers. Happy Thanksgiving!

Mackay's Moral: If we pause to think, we'll have cause to thank.

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Harvey Mackay is the author of the New York Times bestseller "Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive." He can be reached through his website, www.harveymackay.com, by emailing harvey@mackay.com or by writing him at MackayMitchell Envelope Co., 2100 Elm St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.