Sandy Speaks…

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When was the last time you said thank you to… YOU?

I placed a deadline on myself where I would finish my book and write the stories for my children’s book over a 4-day period, while my son was visiting his Papi for the long weekend.  I drove Jake over on Thursday night and went to bed early so I would wake up Friday morning full of energy and ready to write.  The next morning, I awoke to a bad case of… writer’s block!!  It lasted all day.

When night-fall came, it hit me – I had been worrying all day about my self-imposed deadline and had focused on everything I still needed to get accomplished!  My books were unfinished, my Gratitude Boot Camp audio/workbook program still had to be produced, there were cards to be written and phone calls to be made, my professional business plan was not complete, etc etc etc.

“Oh my word, Sandy”, I said to myself.  “How about thinking about all of the things you have accomplished for a change?  What about the many tasks you complete every day as a business owner,  friend, writer, homeowner, single Mom, etc.?”

I immediately sat at my desk and wrote down everything I had achieved since starting Gratitude Boot Camp fifteen months ago.  After the concept came to me in the middle of the night, I created the complete curriculum to teach The 12 Gratitude Habits after researching the power of gratitude extensively.  I’ve given workshops, recorded hours of the system for the audio program, spoken to groups, built a gratitude community on Facebook and Twitter, wrote several chapters of a book that made it to the Top 25 in The Next Top Author Competition, and started a children’s book about gratitude.  I did all of this while working on my other businesses and raising a toddler/pre-schooler.  I do deserve a pat on the back, I realized!

When was the last time you made a list of your accomplishments and achievements?  Immediately after reading this article, grab a piece of paper.  At the top write the words “I thank myself for”.  Then, list everything you do on a daily basis and all of the goals you have reached this year, both big and small.

After you’ve finished this exercise, celebrate YOU!  Treat yourself to a bubble bath, go for a long walk, take yourself out for coffee or to the movies, read a book, or spend some time engaged in your favorite hobby!

Keep this list handy so you can read it the next time you’re starting to beat yourself up about everything you HAVE to do!  Hmmmm – maybe I should laminate mine!!

As I watched the miraculous rescue of the 33 trapped Chilean miners unfold, I was struck with how calm, positive, and strong they appeared upon surfacing.  Before they were even located, they spent 17 days together in a damp, dusty, and desolate place.  I can only imagine how long those days felt to them.

Among other things (like the power of prayer, the meaning of deep faith, and the blessing of the world united in gratitude), this event taught a big lesson on how important it is to be surrounded by a team of individuals who can carry you through even the darkest nights and uncertain days of life.  These brave men called upon the strength of the human spirit and the invaluable power of camaraderie to survive what could have been a devastating, and even deadly, ordeal.

Your team members must portray the following attributes…

1.  Uplifting ~ Do the people you associate with lift you up?  Do they have the ability to turn your frown into a smile and cause you to feel happiness and joy?

2.  Positive ~ Does your team view the glass as half-empty or half-full?  Do they point out what’s impossible or do they explore what’s possible?  Do they smile a lot and bring laughter & fun into your life?

3.  Encouraging ~ Do you come away, after hanging out with your “peeps”, feeling motivated and inspired?  Do they tell you to go for your dreams and applaud your successes?  Do their words cause your doubts and fears to subside?

4.  Trustworthy ~ Can you trust that your biggest secrets and insecurities are safe in the hands of your comrades?  Do they “have your back?”  Are they there for you when you need them?

5.  Faithful ~ Are you surrounded by people who BELIEVE?  Who believe that dreams come true?  Who believe in the miracles of life?  Who believe in a higher power?  Who believe in creating a life of joy, peace, and abundance?  Who believe in YOU?

6.  Grateful ~ Do the people in your life give thanks for their current blessings?  Do they show their appreciation for others?  Do they have a sense of gratitude for all of life’s wonders?  Are they thankful for the good things that are yet to come?

As you reflect upon who makes up your team in life, you may discover changes that need to be made.  It’s not always easy to stop associating with people who aren’t uplifting, positive, encouraging, trustworthy, faithful, and grateful.  As the dramatic rescue of the miners revealed, it’s imperative to surround yourself with people who possess these characteristics.  Then, you’ll know that you can face even the darkest nights and uncertain days of your life!