The value is Gratitude. Who has not had the displeasure of dealing with rude, annoying, self-important people elbowing others aside? No “Attitude of Gratitude.” No thanks or thank you being expressed from their lips or gestures.
So just what is Gratitude? A dictionary defines Gratitude as “a feeling of being thankful to somebody for doing something.”
Some people think they are entitled to all they can get and more – as in more money, more toys, more space, more power, and more recognition. Why some even think they are entitled by “divine right.” The “world’s their oyster” as the saying goes. Does this mean their feeling of entitlement precludes Gratitude? Is entitlement in conflict with Gratitude? Yes! Can one feel entitled and Grateful at the same time? No!
Gratitude is about recognizing others. Is this important? Yes! Since we can do almost nothing in this world by ourselves, we depend on others to “doing something” for us. Gratitude expressed through thanks is a way of recognizing what others have done for us. “Thanks” or “thank you” are the common methods of expressing Gratitude. The Gratitude in “thanks” is one of the two “magic words” your mother kept trying to impress upon you. The other is “please.” “Please” imply Gratitude on the front end, at the time of the request, in advance, anticipatory. “Please” is not a word of entitlement. “Please” greases the skids of human relations and relationships.
Gratitude is our most important value. Lack of appreciation for what we have and what is done for us with adequately expressed Gratitude nullifies our values, cheapens accomplishments and fails to recognize and appreciate the efforts of others.
Make Gratitude a part of every moment of every day. Let your message to the World be “I’m grateful for all I have and all I am.”
Those not using “please” and “thanks” are missing out on one of life’s most fulfilling experiences. The experience of giving recognition to others, seeing their faces light up, the joy inside of yourself for your selflessness – that “warm and fuzzy” feeling.
Gratitude could change the World.
“Please” use Gratitude.
“Thanks” for being Grateful.
Make a difference – be a World Changer.