The Attitude of Appreciation
April 2009
One simple way to have more of what you want, is to acknowledge the good in your life. Often we can get fearful or negative when we let life's challenges consume us. What around you do you like and appreciate? Nothing brings out the best in another faster than your focusing on it. It could be something simple; a nice gesture towards you, someone following through, or being patient. Or, something about your circumstances; the blooming daffodils, your clean environment, the meal on your table, your health or that you have a job. This awareness and appreciation of what is going well, generates improved feelings and can help you shift your attitude especially when you want to improve a particular situation or feel better.
Here are some suggestions for reframing, improving your mood and creating more of what you want:
1. Celebrate what's right in a relationship.
Pick someone with whom you want a better relationship. Think of three things you like or appreciate about them. Speak those three appreciations out loud to them over the course of the day. It could be about something they did that was helpful. It could be something about their spirit/presence you enjoy. Try it for a few days. Notice the impact.
2. Celebrate what's right with work.
Often we feel there's "too much to do" or there's "not enough time" to accomplish all that we want. I often hear how work gets the way of having time to exercise, eat well or rest. Let's start with reframing. What if there were enough time to do it all? What if we actually believed this and felt this way? How would you feel? Calm, relaxed, in control? Easily moving from one thing to the next? If we start with the premise that there is, and will be, enough time:
• Name what you enjoy about your job.
• Name what is most stimulating about your work.
• How are you different at work when you: eat well? Exercise? Get enough sleep?
When feeling stuck or that you don't have a choice, reframing to another perspective can help you see more possibilities and take action from there. Try the "What if..." game to get you thinking creatively about what's possible.
3. Celebrate what's right with the world
At the end of each day, before you go to sleep, name three things that happened for which you are thankful. Remember to include some things you did well. Notice if there's any impact on your mood or how you feel when you wake up.
Food for Thought:
- What areas in your life would you like to have more satisfaction?
- Imagine a situation the way you want it. Begin appreciating what you like about it, as if it is already here. Try it! See what happens.
- "Those who cannot feel the littleness of great things in themselves, are apt to overlook the greatness of little things in others." - Kakuzo Okakura
Contact Andrea to see how coaching is a great tool to help you close the gap between where you are and where you want to be. See how others have made Wellness Coaching work for them. Try a complimentary 30-minute coaching call and take a "test drive." (847) 971-3643 or email: andrea@hgcoaching.com
