In honor of Thanksgiving, I invite you to reflect on gratefulness.
There’s a great Buddhist proverb that says: “Enough’s a feast.”
A few years ago, when I worked for FedEx, we learned about the mood elevator. And it was transformative to me. The whole point of it (in my view) is that we should always try to arrive at either one of these mental states: curiosity or gratefulness.
Curiosity should be our natural state, as it prevents us from merely reacting before thinking about the situation. Gratefulness is at the top of the mood elevator, and it is where we should always try to arrive.
Since applying this in my life, I feel happier and more optimistic! For instance, when you detect a specific “tone” or “attitude” from your partner. Instead of reacting and taking offense, be curious. Try to find out why that is the case. You will find out that in most cases, it’s not personal and that you can help. And you can be grateful because this helps make your relationship stronger and shows that your interest is genuine and you are not just reacting. You are fulfilled because you are helping someone you care about deeply.
Additionally, appreciate and show gratefulness for “the little things”. There is a great quote from Robert Brault: “Enjoy the little things, for one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things.”
I invite you to be grateful every day. It feels awesome! It could be as simple as being grateful for the excellent weather on any given day or the kind barista at your favorite coffee shop.
Finally, remember that few things are more fulfilling than helping others. Regardless of what is happening in the world and in your life, you can positively impact someone else’s life. Be grateful for having that superpower!
All the best,
Jorge