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The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.
Eric Hoffer, Reflections On The Human Condition
Gilda Rixner, Graduate 2010, Non-Profit CEO
(Photo by Ethan Michael)
I know that the conversation of gratitude is sometimes fraught with should's and ought’s. I’ve mostly moved away from conversations of should and ought’s and just began to expect that people will do exactly what they will do, exactly when they will do it. It really makes for a much better appreciation and recognition of the blessings that show up in my life – moment by moment!
Today, I had the opportunity to speak and dance with people for whom I am grateful that have come into my life. I was invited to celebrate Gilda’s victory and was honored by that moment. I had the opportunity to acknowledge one of my team mates, Tim, for accomplishing a small task that will forward his action ten-fold and forward the team’s action one hundred-fold. I had the opportunity to call out for Traci a member of the team who we missed during a call and finally, I had the opportunity to acknowledge Daniel for honoring his word.
Each of these moments was very special because they speak to matters of the heart and to the core fabric of our human experience – inside of the human condition. Here’s what I say they are:
- Communication – causes all things to happen. Without communication there is a poor probability of effective and coordinated action. Speak!
- Self Expression – allows us to have a sense of freedom that, in the moment, is void of all elements of looking good. In fact, this freedom may catch you off guard. Dance!
- Celebration – acknowledges the victories, small or large, that piece together our lives. It is a privilege to be invited to celebrate with another – for in the moment of celebration WE all get to taste victory and if all we did was celebrate daily we would be victorious – even inside of any former moments of defeat. Invite!
- Acknowledgment – forwards all action, conversely, lack of acknowledgment does not only stop all action it also reverses all action. Whether you acknowledge someone for an accomplishment, a missing element in a promise or for an honorable moment – it causes something to be stirred in the soul of another and thereby creates a shift. The shift is not a change, like from good to bad or bad to good. It simply is a shift and movement from where someone was to a new place. It’s a call out (stand) for right here, right now. Call!
Speak Dance, Invite and Call. Play the game of being human. Be thankful for all of the moments of humanity because they allow us access to be grateful, now – right now.
I am so thankful for the moments in which people actually allow me to be a contribution to their lives. I am so thankful for the opportunity to learn, coach and be coached. I am so thankful for the ability to express my emotions for the people, places and things that touch my life. I’m really thankful for the opportunity to be a part of you.
James Jordan, Notes to a Leader, July 2010
Today, my word is to find favor and gratefulness in every single moment of the day. Thank you for this moment.
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