Thanksgiving is the day after tomorrow and everywhere I look, I see articles on gratitude. Now don’t get me wrong – I’m a HUGE fan of gratitude. Keeping a gratitude list actually helped me turn my life around several years ago when everything was crumbling around me. In fact, I wrote a series of five blogs on the topic of gratitude and being thankful. If you’d like to read them, start here then scroll through the next four: https://nancydepcik.com/blog/page/13/. They’re pretty insightful.
But today I thought of a little twist. What about all those people who aren’t moved by gratitude – don’t know what it really means, how to use it or even care about it. Do you know anyone like that? Maybe someone who complains a lot, or isn’t aware of the amazing things that surround them. Do you sometimes have to share the day, whether it’s a holiday or not, with a Negative Nellie?
How do you handle that? How do you keep from getting sucked into their bad mood?
Here’s an idea – give them a compliment! Yes, you heard me right. In the middle of all their complaining, moaning and groaning, tell them you like their shoes, or you like the color of their shirt, or the cake they brought is absolutely delicious. Derail them! Make them stop in their tracks and figure out how to absorb something good in their life.
I’ve tried this a few times and it works! Maybe not all the time, but when it does, it’s amusing to see the look on their face. It’s a good feeling to know you’ve turned their attitude around, even if it’s only for a moment or two. You’ve made them stop and take notice. Besides, it keeps you from reaching for the aspirin.
Try it – what have you got to lose? Watch the impact you can have on someone else. Then you can go back to having a lovely day of your own.
Categories: Personal Development Positive Attitude Positive Thinking Professional Speaker
Tags: Avoid Bad Attitudes, Gratitude, Gratitude List
