Appreciating a Helpful Hand, Take Two

On May 2nd, 2010, the exercise I chose to do was to write a list in my gratitude journal of 3 people that have previously helped me and how they helped me. I am repeating this activity with 3 new people and/or deeds. This activity was wonderful in that it reminded me of a few of the wonderful acts of kindness bestowed on me. I have much to be grateful for.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Your actions should reflect your values. Since I need to go home and live with who I am, I don't want to get swept up in an eye for an eye mentality. Always live my life as if my children are watching me and mimicking me.

We're Different

We are individuals with different values, goals, interests and life experiences. As such, don't assume others are bothered by the same things as me. Nor, that my priorities are their priorities. I've had many people assume over the years, that I was politically the same as them, was on board with their method of child rearing or any number of topics. Why? We're all different.

Let Silence Happen

Take the pressure off myself to immediately respond in a conversation. Actively listen to others, rather than formulating a response while they speak. Then take the time when they are done, to think in silence, before responding.

Honoring My Values

Make some me time. School's out for the summer, but I still can't seem to relax and enjoy my time off from work. Since being healthy is a priority value for me, I will try and walk almost daily this summer. I walked regularly last summer, so I am confident I can challenge myself to once again repeat this activity. Getting started is the tough part, so I'll jump right in and start tomorrow morning.

Second Chances

Take advantage of second chances. For that matter, take advantage of third and fourth chances. For every missed opportunity, ( I should have, could have, would have) there will be another opportunity presented to you.

Why Don't You Know What I'm Thinking

Don't assume others, especially loved ones, understand why I am upset. Tell them. I am grateful that I value my relationship with you enough to trust you with my feelings.

Dream Big

There's the expression to dream big. I believe in dreams and wishes and believe that many of mine have come true in the past and will continue to come true in the future. It's important to dream big, but also to enjoy and appreciate all the joys, big or small, along the way.

You Can Do It

Add something positive with every group, activity and conversation you are involved with today.

Get Centered

Try different things to figure out what centers me: walking, exercise, saying a mantra, meditation, painting, gardening, listening to music or playing guitar.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

I will look at my life as a gift and a joy, rather than a host of problems to be solved.

The Grass Is Not Always Greener

Don't assume others have it better than me. It's that grass is always greener on the other side mentality. Instead, appreciate what I have and do not compare myself to others.

Take Some Deep Breaths

I find that when I feel hurt, upset, or angry that the worst things come out of my mouth. Then I'm irritated at myself for saying those things when I was in a negative place. Today, if hurt or angry I will keep my mouth shut. I will practice deep breaths. I'll take a walk. I'll watch a sitcom, work in my garden or something else that brings me inner peace. I'm practicing not responding with angry words.

Speak Up I Can't Hear You

When I was growing up, my mom and her 2 sisters would have this amazing talent of having a conversation while they talked simultaneously. One sister was louder than the other. Now that I'm older, I wonder if they heard anything the other sister was saying? Were they only interested in getting their point of view across?

To continue on my journey to be a successful, active listener, I'm not going to interrupt someone that I am conversing with. I will allow them to complete their part of the conversation and truly listen to what they are saying. I will not interrupt them as they are speaking, especially if I have a different point of view. Concentrating on what the other person is saying, and not assuming I know what they are going to say, will help me be a more respectful, appreciative communicator.

Feeling Good

Appreciate the positive things that happen during my day. For me, this can be someone else smiling at me, saying hello to me, or having my cat rub up against me.

Help Is On The Way

When someone has been put down, made to feel bad about themselves, or made to feel some insecurity, find something positive to tell them. This will help remind them that they too are good and deserve to be valued.

Living Life Gratefully

Write in my gratitude journal all the reasons I can come up with that reminds me that life is a gift.

Actions To Live By

Last week, our principal said words to live by in his morning announcement to the students.

Be positive, supportive and caring with each other. These are the beautiful actions I will carry out tomorrow.

Memory Lane

Take a trip down memory lane with someone you care about. Reminisce about some good times you've had together. Laugh and enjoy these stories reminding yourself how grateful you are for these wonderful memories and this wonderful person.

Be Happy For This Moment

Be happy for this moment. For this moment is your life. This is a beautiful quote that I repeat often to myself. I will live this quote.

You're The Best

Tell someone you care about that you believe in them.

Believe

Believe in myself. Believe in my journey. Believe that I can make the change in my life that I desire. I am going to write down on an index card one change I want to make in my life. I will write it in positive terms and look at my index card throughout the day. In the evening I will journal about my desired change, how I felt throughout the day visualizing myself in this desired change. I'll record any ideas that popped into my head on ways to make this change.

Happy Being Me

Do not compare myself to others. I'll remember about the positive changes I've noticed in myself and how grateful I am to be me.

Along The Journey

Write in my gratitude journal about the positive changes I see in myself since I started on my journey to living a life a gratitude. This isn't about perfection, but improvement.

I'm Only Human

I am trying to become a better person; One that turns the other cheek, honors others feelings, is grateful, gracious and all those wonderful qualities. But, I went food shopping on a Saturday again. I don't know what I am thinking putting myself in this stressful situation. Today I came across the shopper that kept stopping her cart in the middle of the aisle in front of me so that I would have to wait while she mulled over her 5 different choices of tuna, or which box of pasta to buy. I guess I need to work on finding the humor in situations like this rather than stewing in what I perceive as others lack of courtesy.

I am going to keep positive and look at the humor in situations I can not control

Honor Myself

Be respectful to myself. Use only positive speech when talking about myself. Don't gossip (that one makes me feel awful.). Don't compare myself to others and do not judge myself.

Honest Living

Live my day honestly. It is difficult keeping track of untruths.

It's My Idea

Take ownership of my decisions and my actions. This means to stop blaming others for what is going on in my life.

Joyous Moments

Look for the joy throughout my day. As I live my day, I will notice when something gives me joy. Hopefully, I'll remember to write these joyous moments in my gratitude journal.