As I was outside with my dog on this frigid January morning in Montana, whining to myself about how cold it was outside, I paused to look around. What I observed was simply amazing! True, it was cold, but it also was sunny, calm, and peaceful out. As I looked at my snow-flocked trees, I realized they were serving their purpose as a shelter belt, blocking the irritating SW winds. As I snapped a few pictures, it then dawned on me the huge blessing it was to have snow while I thought of the high Santa Ana winds whipping through California and rapidly spreading the raging fires that took the lives of people and animals and destroyed homes, buildings, landscapes, trees, and whatever was in the path. If only snow was covering the grounds in California right now, how different the outcome from the fires would be. My thoughts and prayers for all affected by those fires. This realization reminded me to drop the grumbling and instead find gratitude each and every single day.
Gratitude doesn't come natural for everyone for sure. Seeing the negatives seems to outweigh seeing the positives for many. For me, I am going to try my best to observe grateful moments as often as possible. One way to help me count my blessings is to mindfully recognize one godsend first thing in the morning, starting the day off on the right foot, and then writing it down, solidifying my thankfulness. I use my calendar to write these on, which also helps keep me accountable to recognize my daily gratitude, because I can easily see if I have missed a day. So far, so good. I feel like my blood pressure had gone down, I am more productive, and I think I am more pleasant to be around…I think.
If you are a business leader that is struggling with a negative mindset, just waiting for that next ax to drop on your day, I encourage you to see what a difference shifting your thoughts can make. When you see an employee walk in the door late, first and foremost be thankful they showed up at all. Then, sure have that corrective coaching with them. When you find out that your department budget has been reduced this year, find a silver lining in how you can be creative to adjust to it. When your boss slams you with a ton more projects, be grateful for being needed and kept busy. “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop”, according to Proverbs 16:27. When your team is bickering with each other, be happy that they are at least communicating. Conflicts can be productive, and this would be your opportunity to guide them in how disagreements can lead to sharpening each other’s skills and thinking, leading to innovative solutions. Check out my Conflict Resolutions- Prevent, De-escalate, Resolve course to hear more about how this can work well, as guided by the powerful research and resources from Wiley’s Everything DiSC®. If you would like more information on conflict resolution or DiSC®, feel free to contact me.
I welcome you to join me in my mission to stop the grumbling and pause to both see and smell the roses, counting our blessings daily for a strengthened grateful heart.
Have a blessed day!
Deborah

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