The Magic Words

I speak several languages…American, English, Canadian, some Australian…but whenever I am visiting a non-English speaking country, there is one phrase that I always learn…THANK YOU! Merci, Gracias, Arigato, Danke, Tiramisu!

I have discovered that this one expression alone will work wonders. It will open doors. It will establish relationships. It will be the starter thread that creates a blanket of affection and trust. Learn the power of the word THANKS.

Rudyard Kipling was one of those authors who was very successful in his lifetime. A British newspaper criticized him, ridiculed him and called him a mercenary. They said, “He is now writing just for the money. One word of Kipling today is worth a hundred dollars.”

Shortly after the release of the unkind article, a reporter approached Kipling at a gathering and said, “So you’re worth a hundred dollars a word? Here’s a hundred…give me a word.” Then he handed him a paper and pencil.

Kipling took the hundred, put it in his pocket and he wrote one word on the paper…THANKS.

Yes, if a criticism of unkindness causes you to slip, stumble, and slide into discouragement, then lift your mood back up by giving thanks and find somewhere to show appreciation. You cannot control the actions of other people, but you can control your reaction. If we lose control of our reactions, the negative emotion of discouragement can quickly follow a disappointment.

You will find that giving a genuine Thank You to someone will take the focus off of yourself. When you focus on other people, and intentionally show appreciation for them, your own problems will become less difficult and less overwhelming.

We need to develop the daily habit of exercising the Attitude of Gratitude.

Be thankful to God always for everything. I’m 47 years old, and it still shocks me to say that I have never had anything happen in my life, including tragedies and near disasters, that did not turn out to be blessings in disguise. I reached a point many years ago where I began to impulsively, and I think very intelligently, to start my prayers with simple thanksgiving. Be thankful for all things.

• Thank you God that they’ve discovered it early.
• Thank you that we’re living in a time where there are all kinds of potential
• treatments.
• Thank you that my friend has the faith to carry him through.
• Thank you for a country of opportunity
• Thank you for what I learned yesterday

I want to look at the Attitude of Gratitude from two perspectives – Outward Expression and Inward Thanksgiving.

• What everyone sees – which is showing appreciation to others
• What we know within ourselves - that we are blessed.

First, the Outward Expression – how do we exercise the Attitude of Gratitude.
Gratitude means…the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful.

Why show gratitude? Is it just the right thing to do, or does it have some other value? Demonstrating sincere gratitude takes energy and thought, and having an attitude of gratitude requires the conscious effort of being thankful. So how can practicing gratitude have a permanent effect on you and those around you? Let’s explore that a bit more…

When someone expresses thankfulness, it not only impacts the receiver, but it also has benefits for the one giving thanks. Here’s a few of the benefits:

• Recognizing the blessings in your life and acting upon them regularly increases your
• awareness and appreciation.
• Sharing your gratitude improves your quality of life because it can only result in positive
• emotions.
• Learning to appreciate what you have also makes life more valuable and meaningful.

Each day we’re given a new chance to make a difference in the world. By maintaining an attitude of gratitude with each new day, you develop the habit of appreciating what you have instead of dwelling on what you don’t have. You’ll have more peace and joy because your outlook begins on a positive note. You’ll also handle challenges differently if you begin with an appreciative mindset.

Next week we will continue exploring the attitude of gratitude and will talk about how to model this in our lives. I’ll give you a hint - saying ‘thank you’ is a great start, but there is a lot more to a lifestyle of gratefulness. I’m looking forward to sharing more with you next week, right here on  the blog.