“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” Zig Ziglar

First visited in the February 2018 series – The Importance of Gratitude – this concept continues to pop up in my life and in our work.

Here is a story that brings it to the forefront for me. In full disclosure, I know that I spoil my grandchildren and that is NOT the point of this story. Ha! So, being vulnerable, here is a snapshot from our lives . . .

As a grandmother, I spend hours with my three growing grandchildren. And, because I am also a committed coach I notice things such as their language and their insatiable need for more. An example I’ve noticed is an emerging pattern I see when the girls come for a sleepover. We love going to movies, so the adventure usually begins with us at the theater. First stop is at the concession area where we get the kid pack with popcorn, Skittles, and a drink. As if that were not enough, Gran is expected to have a tube of M&M’s for each one. Can you say, “SUGAR”! Once the movie is over, we’re off to Panera for the kid’s meal and, more importantly, the candy cookie. I am able to convince them to drink water since they have had sooo much sugar! Off to PetSmart to see if there are any cute puppies for Gran to buy. None. So now, . . . we are ready for Party City or Michael’s with a $5 limit for shopping.

You get the idea! And you are beginning to notice what I’m noticing – the absence of an expression of gratitude. Oh, sure, it’s apparent when Gran prompts, “What do you want to say to Gran?” Yet, more times than not, it is absent. So, that prompts me to think more about gratitude and how to nurture and grow it within self and with others.

Here are a few strategies for nurturing gratitude:

• Practice daily gratitude. “What am I grateful for?” One way my son and daughter-in-law practice with my grandkids is an evening meal ritual of speaking a “high” for the day. Listeners can ask 3 questions to gain greater detail about the “high”.
• End the day with gratitude. Before you go to bed, focus on 2-3 things that have mattered in your day.

These are just two ways to increase gratitude. Add at least two more ways you are nurturing gratitude in your life.

• Your idea:
• Your idea: