SOS Monthly

December 2004

In the latest issue of SOS Monthly, we talked about gratitude. My very insightful spouse commented, "Nice topic. Why don't you do something about actually telling people you're grateful? You keep it all inside, what with all that meditating and making lists and lighting candles." Story of my life--keeping it all inside. He has a very good point. What good is gratitude if the one you're grateful to never knows it?

Three Little Words

Expressing gratitude to those who deserve it has become a challenge in our culture. Many of us do the internal stuff--thanking the universe, making our daily gratitude lists--but how many of us do the external stuff? For example, when was the last time you said "thank you" to someone?

Several years ago, I was sitting in a staff meeting. The topic of discussion was, "How to Better Motivate Our Employees". Most of us immediately leapt to staging big team-building events, which the company could not afford. Then, a very wise woman (and tiara wearer) said, "How about we all start saying 'please' and 'thank you'?" Dead silence in the room. How beautifully simple! Just say "please" and "thank you". Have you ever been loath to take on an additional task because you hadn't been appreciated for doing the extra work last time? Using these three little words made a world of change in my department in this company. My team was happier and more motivated, and other people were dying to come work in my group.

Start expressing your appreciation and gratitude today. Here's an easy way to begin (and one of my personal pet peeves):  If someone holds a door open for you, SAY "THANK YOU". Is that really so hard? Do you really have so much on your mind (or such a high opinion of yourself) that you can't take the fraction of a second? Or will it take a door slamming on your head or hand or foot to wake you up and make you appreciate us door-holders?

OK, rant over. My point is, will you start appreciating what you receive (and the person or entity that gives it to you), or will you continue to live in your bubble until a door slams you in the head?

So here are your action items. They’re really easy, and won’t add any additional stress at this overly stressful time of year. In fact, they may even reduce your stress.

1. When you ask for something, say please. I know I sound like your mother, but this really works. If I get two requests, I deal with the person who’s actually said please way before I get to the other one. And, depending on the mood of the day, I may ignore the other one completely.
2. When you receive something, say thank-you. Again, I may be channeling your mom, but this also works. If I am thanked for my work, or gift, or door-holding, I am much more likely to do it again. And, as a bonus, I’m likely to receive more of what I want.

Please read on to see my own list of thank-you’s this season…

Showing Gratitude

Thank you to my fabulous and wonderful clients. Each of you teaches me something every session, and I am honored you’ve chosen me to share your journey.

Thanks to my family, Elisabeth and Michael. Without your unquestioning support, my world-changing would never have gotten off the ground. You are changing my world for the better every day.

Thanks to my friends and colleagues, for offering new ideas, acting as my R&D lab, and for keeping me honest.

Thank you all for reading SOS Monthly, and for forwarding it along to others who might be interested. Our little community of great and powerfuls is growing by the day—soon we will take over the world! Start practicing your evil laugh…

Get Involved, Get In Touch

If you’re interested in exploring more about gratitude, about life transformation, or just about tiaras and the really cool women who wear them, there are a myriad of ways for you to connect.

Visit my blog, Creating An Ideal Life While Wearing a Tiara. I post all kinds of musings, questions and general craziness here, and you’re welcome to join in and comment on any and all postings.

The SOS Forum is a terrific place to listen to post some gratitude lists of your own.

Check out the full range of life transformation services available at Seasons of Success.

The mission of SOS Monthly is to inspire and empower you to lead the big life you deserve. Comments, feedback and ideas for stories are always welcome.  Also, please feel free to forward this along to anyone who might be interested and/or benefit from its contents. All story ideas, comments and suggestions are most welcome.  Send me your input!

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Barbara Bellissimo

Life Transformation Agent

Seasons of Success

P.O. Box 1303

West Tisbury, MA   02575

1.508.696.4647

©2004 by Barbara Bellissimo. All rights reserved.