Reiter Coaching Letter - 12/3/02

The Reiter Coaching Letter

For Creating the Life You Want

Issue 26

www.stevereiter.com

December 3, 2002

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Gratitude

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
-- Herm Albright

In our daily lives, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but the gratefulness that makes us happy.
-- Albert Clarke

Dear Friend,

Do you ever get stuck in negative thinking. I do. It's an old habit, for sure, and it's getting weaker all the time. But I still get mired by negative thinking on a sufficiently regular basis that it makes sense for me to find ways to counter its effects and to shut it down. After all, wallowing in negativity is only useful if can you grow from it... or write about it. And there's a limit even then.

One of the best ways I know to shift myself out of negative thinking is by focusing on what I have to be grateful for.

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other
is as though everything is a miracle." -- Albert Einstein

Although it feels a bit like I'm tricking myself into thinking things are just dandy, I don't believe that's actually the case; after all, I'm still clear that many many things aren't just dandy. But my problems and concerns are placed in a wider context, a perspective that includes the good, the beautiful, the loving, the poignant, and the exquisite. And that makes all the difference in the world.

Something to try
Last week, my wife and daughter brought a new ritual into our home which we now share as we begin our dinner. The props include two small containers, one filled with many seeds. The other container is empty. Any small and attractive vessel or basket will do. The seeds we use are dry beans, corn, and other large and interesting seeds).

To start, just pick up a seed from one bowl, and, saying something you're grateful for, drop the seed into the small cup. That's all there is to it. You can say as many or as few "gratefuls" as you wish, and they can be as silly and frivolous or serious as you like. Consequently, the ritual can have light or serious moments, and will vary according to who is speaking at the time. As you might expect, we've found that gratefuls frequently pop up later, during the meal, as well.

Your turn

Find some regular time to appreciate what is good and glorious in your life.
Try out this ritual, create one of your own, or renew a practice you dropped over time.
Be playful or serious when it suits you.
Notice what changes in your mood, the ease of your activities, and your relationships?

Health and long life -

Steve

I help all sorts of dynamic folks live passionate lives.

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The Reiter Coaching Letter is published by Steve Reiter on the first and third Tuesday of each month. The purpose is to challenge you and support you in creating success and fulfillment throughout your life.

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