I've read a lot of blogs, email, and Facebook posts about having a "word" for the year. Some chose joy, some adventure and many added other choices. I'm doing three. Let's call them the 3 G's:
Graciousness-defined as "very polite in a way that shows respect." What if I try harder to react without anger at things that go wrong and remain civil in the heat of battle-be it a real estate transaction or a political debate? What if I let the rude driver go ahead when he tries to cut me off? OK, honestly, I will have to work on that one. What if I gave someone the benefit of the doubt when they come across as a know it all. What if I really worked on responding graciously. When my oldest daughter worked as a summer swim coach, I remember one of the mothers telling me that my kid was very gracious. I still remember that compliment all these years later.
Generousity -actually defined as the quality of being kind, understanding and not selfish. In my opinion we have already won the lottery by being born in the greatest country in the world. We take for granted that there are clothes in our closets and food on our tables. However, you don't have to look far to find someone that could use a hand. Our neighborhood Facebook page blew up last month with the news that a woman was sleeping on a park bench not far from us. It was amazing what a few concerned folks were able to accomplish to help this lady. And it doesn't have to be money. What if I gave more of my time? What if I helped the new agent in the office? What if I delivered Meals on Wheels? Or volunteered at the local elementary school during lunch hours. There are infinite ways to practice generousity.
Gratitude - a feeling of appreciation or thanks. Last year, I attended more funerals that I would have preferred. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. No one is. It's pretty easy to get drawn into the "woe is me" Eyore mindset. The deal didn't close. The inspection report sucked. The buyer quit his job two days before closing. If 6 good things and 1 bad thing happen in a day, what do we tend to focus on. Bingo! There's a reason the news folks say "if it bleeds, it leads". My goal this year is to go forth in gratitude. At my age, I'm a lot closer to the end than the beginning. Heck, I'm older than Disney, but I'm not going to let that dim the gratitude that I feel. Everyday I get to do a job I love. I have a good family. I have some crazy, wonderful friends. And, as the sticker on my car says "Life is Good".
Here is to 2016! Let's all try a bit more Graciousness, Generosity and Gratitude and see how it works!
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