Choose Gratitude Anyway

Choose Gratitude Anyway

“When happiness seems elusive, choose gratitude instead.” ~Suzie Eller

Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving today, Monday, October 9, 2017.

Me? Not so much; no family north of the border and too long inculcated in the U.S. end of November Thanksgiving traditions.

But I think of all my friends, all my clients and students and colleagues, celebrating with their families, and I am filled with a sort of diffused warmth, gratitude by proximity and osmosis.

This year, in light of the Las Vegas massacre (and all those which preceded it) and the host of other ills with which our planet and its inhabitants are trying to deal; in light of the dissembling of our very ideological foundations and the increasing divisions in perspectives; in light of man’s increasing displays of inhumanity, I say this:

Be grateful. Anyway. Despite it all. Because of it all.

Choose gratitude anyway. If you’re reading my words, on an electrical device, you’ve got plenty to feel grateful for—you’re just being lazy if you don’t.

Feeling bad about the mass shootings in America will not end them.

Feeling bad won’t change a thing; it’s as though not feeling bad about the fill-in-the-blank tragedy, means you’re a “bad” person.  I am constantly perplexed by the perversity of this argument.

Nope, feeling bad won’t help others feel better.

Feeling outraged might.

Taking action could.

But, feeling grateful will.

It’s a paradox. And that means becoming comfortable with contradiction and uncertainty.

No easy answers.

Figures…

So choose gratitude. Anyway.

What have you got to lose?

Only your anxiety.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

“My work is loving the world.” ~Mary Oliver, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet



Stay connected with our Monday Morning Message

About
Cynthia Barlow

Founder Cynthia Barlow

Facilitator, Author, Coach

Helping businesses build their people

When your people have the skills to communicate more effectively, they can connect more easily and collaborate more productively. Not only on the job, but also in life.

Communication, Connection, and Collaboration—the three “C’s”—are the cornerstones of all successful businesses. They are the result of Emotional Intelligence in action.

More details can be found in my recent best seller with co-author Jennifer Eggers:
Resilience: It’s Not About Bouncing Back

The power of resilience within organizations can transform an average company into a powerhouse. Yet, even in times of rapid disruptive change, there is no manual for building resilient organizations. This book is that manual.

“If you  want to build more resilience intentionally—personally and professionally—read this book.
~
Fran Karamousis, Chief  of Research, Gartner

 

Want To Talk?
cynthia@c3conversations.com 1 (647) 544 - 1567
Thanks! We'll be contacting you soon.