What I Gained From a Tough Loss

It was a rough week.  Heaven’s gain was our loss for a great lady who seemed to always know exactly what to say to make anyone feel good.  The loss of my sister’s mother-in-law inspired me to reflect on how I may be perceived and how much it may help others.  Of course, there are the obvious things we do by outwardly helping others with tasks and sharing, etc.  However, words and emotions play a huge part of helping us empower others as well.

Too many of us tend to complain more than compliment. We jump when something is not going right but stay silent or take for granted when things do go right.  We all tend to get wrapped up in our own situations that we forget to recognize the efforts of others.  The beauty in appreciation and thanks is two-fold.  It not only recognizes the other person’s efforts but it makes us feel good to make someone else feel good.

This is the same as disciplining children with positive reinforcement.  Parenting books tell us to reward a child with appreciation and thanks.  Hopefully the child will then feel better about doing things and be more willing to do them on their own.

Imagine how much happier we would be if we nourished each other with these words of positivity. We’d be happier at home and at work which could lead to  higher productivity and health in many aspects of our lives.  Perhaps we can create a ripple effect that will encourage others to do the same.

I will now put out this challenge to my readers.  Try thanking someone very close to you in your life (spouse, relative, friend, child, co-worker, etc.) for different things every day for 7 days.  The reason I suggest those closest to you is that those are the people we tend to thank the least.  It is important that you don’t tell them you are doing this as it will spoil the fun.  Be creative and try to thank them for things you normally wouldn’t such as,

“Thanks for taking out the garbage,” 
“I really appreciate that you put your shirt in the hamper,”
“Thanks for the funny e-mail joke that I wouldn’t dare forward to anyone else,” 
“Thanks for checking on me”
“Thanks for that gourmet-like meal you prepared”
“Thanks for working so hard on your baseball watching skills”–(if you appreciate that kind of thing…)

By the end of 7 days (or even after the first “thank you,”) take note of the reaction of the recipient.  Did it make them pause or smile?  Did it change their mood?  Did it change your mood?  Yes, the beauty of this challenge is that we can get just as much out of this as the recipient!  Nourish your soul and you will nourish your body.

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