“Gratefulness removes our blindness to the wonders of other lives around us and our connection to them.” MGF
Every life represents exquisite possibility.
What about you? Do you believe this about yourself? About others? Our own answers determine our behaviors, particularly in our daily stories we write about others including ourselves. As leaders, how you answer is even more impactful because of your influence.
A look around in today’s world seems to reflect something different in most cases. Our individual lives are measured and judged almost always in some form or fashion. We don’t fit in for this reason, we have history that separates us, or we ourselves deem our lives “not worth it” to anyone else. The outcome leaves us experiencing something much less that wonderment about our lives or that of others.
What if that could be different? What if “we” could be different ourselves? We can be. But it takes raising our gaze to a higher truth.
Leaders lead in a manner that connects to the vison they carry of those they serve. If we see exquisite possibility, even in the mess of failure, our leading will focus on a growth/building expression with these same people. But, if we focus on the mess of failure as the highest truth about their life, or even that which is most true in the moment, our vision for them becomes clouded more with “what is” than “what can be”. What can help us stay focused on the higher truths of exquisite possibilities? One way is transforming gratitude.
Authentic gratitude arises from authentic value for those which we are grateful for. As such, it needs expression to inform and ensure that others feel their worth. While certainly easier to offer with those we like or for positive life actions that mimic ours, this quality becomes more difficult with those we may dislike or had bad experiences with. But this difficulty becomes the refining fire for the deeper truth of our vision – can we see the exquisite possibility in their lives amidst all the mess or failure?
How do we grow transforming gratitude as a way of life? Here are a few thoughts:
- Understand what you value – The more you are aware of life-building qualities that are meaningful to you, the more your capacity to recognize them in others.
- Look for the Exquisite Possibilities – Despite circumstances, and even how you may be feeling, focus on looking more for “what can be” than “what is” in the situation.
- Share Your Gratefulness – Even if just one positive quality for that moment or circumstance, share your gratefulness for that detail.
- Reinforce Your Vision – When you think of others, remember your gratefulness, and focus your first memory on that before dealing with whatever else you need to address.
- Prioritize Daily – As a person, and especially as a leader, your positive influence will come from this consistent leadership expression.
Making gratefulness a daily priority connects your story to others in beautiful and wondrous ways that are truer than shortcomings. The mystery of these connections then enlarges our vision to see the wealth of value surrounding us in those we walk with, work with or engage with. As we make this a priority, what we see and experience in life will transform us and those we serve.
Red Beryl Consulting 