Gratitude - What’s in your BLANK?
During the holidays – I spend time reflecting and being in deep gratitude for my life’s journey and for all those that helped me get to where I am today. This week – I want to share an excerpt from my book “Life in the Leadership Lane”. My hope is to inspire you to fill in the blank and that you will be filled with gratitude this day, this week, and each day on your journey ahead. I hope you enjoy…
A while back, during the Thanksgiving season, my grandson Crosby colored a picture of a turkey and I shared it with group of leaders in Dallas, Texas. The picture included a message around gratitude that said I am thankful for (“fill in blank”), so I decided to ask them to fill in the blank. It’s a great question for all of us to reflect on in our everyday leadership. So today, I ask, “What’s in your blank?” I am thankful for ____________________________.
During this season of Thanksgiving, I often reflect on the time with our family as a child and teenager in Midwest City, Oklahoma…visiting Grandma and Grandpa Thornton. It was a joyful time, growing up with seven brothers and sisters and playing croquet and football with Uncle Roy. Thanksgiving lunch was at the kid’s table. Grandpa Thornton walked around and visited briefly with everyone like a travel host, asking about our interests and making sure we were all doing well in school. There was a huge fish tank that would grab our attention and we would watch the fish throughout the day. Reflection is a gift. It takes me back to these days and gives me gratitude as I think about the stories, I want my grandkids to share one day. I am thankful for reflection time. As I wrote this book, I thought about how challenging life was for all those who came before me. All of the people, including my parents, who made the choice to sacrifice everything to provide opportunity for me and my family. I am thankful they taught us to respect others for who they are and what they value, and to always treat people with kindness because we never know what they have been through.
When we look for the good, we will always find the good in every situation. Talent Acquisition leader, Christie Linebarger says it best in Episode 32, “I am most grateful for the people in my life; the people who have helped shape me and who have made my life better.”
Here are the 10 most common responses I hear from my guests when asked what they are grateful for on “Life in the Leadership Lane” podcast:
Family
Health
Being present
Great job
Life
God
Relationships
Network
Failing
Mentors
What stands out to you? For me - it is #1 - Family - They are my life… #8 - has been the acceleration of my career - your network is your networth —- and #9 - is what allows me to write books and share wisdom - I have learn so much from failing.
I am also grateful for all those that have come before us…
Over 400 years ago, pilgrims were advised to “prepare a will” before sailing the dangerous voyage aboard the Mayflower for a taste of freedom in America. Can you imagine the courage? Thankful today and everyday for those that paved the way for us to live of abundance and freedom in our country.
Quote of the day… “Always operate in a mindset of gratitude. Our mind believes what we think, and our path to success starts with our attitude.” -Lynne Stewart, *Chapter 7 Life in the Leadership Lane
Call to action: What are you most grateful for? I would enjoy hearing from you. Write it down each day in your journal and share with others. It will move you to inspire and change the workplace and your community. It’s a great time to be grateful!
Looking for a podcast on gratitude? Listen to Life in the Leadership Lane podcast – Episode 207!
This is “Move to Inspire” with Bruce Waller! For more information, call 972-389-5673, or email bwaller@goarmstrong.com or check out my social media Facebook and Twitter page. Also, check out www.BruceWaller.com to review my leadership books “Life in the Leadership Lane”, “Find Your Lane” or pick up a copy of my journal “Milemarkers” to start recording your everyday and Hot Off the Press - Drive With Purpose, Move Your Career from Success to Significance! All books are available on amazon and audible. Be sure to subscribe to my YOUTUBE channel to watch the video podcasts and other messages to help you lead in the workplace! “Life in the Leadership Lane podcast is available on your favorite podcast platform including APPLE, GOOGLE, and SPOTIFY.