John Moffat couldn’t introduce the speaker today – a tech breakdown. So, Doug read the introduction of David G. Brooks “The Gratitude Guy”.
David is an accomplished speaker, whose speed outmatches this reporter/editor’s skill, so I hope I got the main points correctly.
Neutralizing Obstacles Through Gratitude is the title of the talk. It focuses on the roller-coaster ride we live. You and only you choose your attitude. You can be responsible for your own attitude. You plant ideas in your brain which influences your responses to life occurrences. And to illustrate how you can perceive the same thing differently, he had us stretch out our right arms up to the ceiling, circle the arm clockwise and slowly lower the arm, hand still pointing to the ceiling and see what direction it is moving. A hint – it now looks to be moving anti-clockwise. It’s magic…
“Attitude is gratitude,” is a slogan that Mr. Brooks likes to use. He encourages keeping a gratitude journal which will reinforce the optimistic viewpoint of your life. It helps to see the sunny side of life. Gratitude focusses on your blessings.
You are noted by the company you keep. Another technique is to use an association evaluation. This asks you to find zero, one or two people with whom you should disassociate; zero one or two with whom to limit association; and zero one or two with whom you should enhance association. Gradually, you will be surrounded by folks who are more optimistic. Be aware of who you hang around with.
Put gratitude to work. There is science to back this up. Gratitude engenders appreciation. David used an example from his piloting days. Learning to fly his instructor told him that he will be grateful for what he will learn today. “Always trust your instruments.” This was drilled into him. And sure, enough one day he ended up flying with three friends through a storm, and he got so discombobulated that he thought he was flying upside down. But He believed his instruments and was able to climb above the clouds and clear the storm.
Science of gratitude. “Appreciating what we have measurably improves our relationships, life satisfaction physical health, leading to fewer aches and pains lower blood pressure and less depression. Grateful people are more likely take care of their health, exercise more often and schedule regular checkups.” Gratitude increases positive and reduces toxic emotions.
So, he encourages keeping a gratitude journal. Write every day, “I am grateful for…” write about the highlight of your day. And write your grateful intentions. Writing empowers you; it internalizes what you write. If you think about it, it’s a dream, if you talk about it, it inspires you, but if you write about it, it empowers you.
Another short exercise Mr. Brooke had us do was to rate our feeling from one to ten, ten being the best. Then write below that rating 1. The one thing you are grateful for. 2. The second most thing you are grateful for. 3. What was the highlight of your day yesterday. Re-read numbers one, two and three. And think about them. Then rate your feeling again. Did the rating change? It did for this reporter.
You and only you choose your attitude. If you choose gratitude, you’ll have a better experience.
“That Gratitude Guy’s” Daily Gratitude Journal: CLICK HERE
“That Gratitude Guy’s” Website: CLICK HERE
Rotary Moment
