Tag: gratitude

Who Deserves Your Gratitude?

by Mershon Niesner

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. Melody Beattie, American author of self-help books on codependent relationships

In her blog, Cup of Jo, Jenny Rosenstrach told the story of how Gina Hamadey, a writer and content strategist, wrote a thank you note everyday for a year. She used a theme for each month like neighbors, friends, food, family, health and sent snail mail notes to people she had reason to thank. She handed out some notes to people like the bookstore clerk or her babysitter and mailed the rest. You can follow Gina’s progress on Instagram at @thankyouyear.

In addition to love, what the world needs now is gratitude. What would it mean to you to receive a note of thanks?  What would it mean for your children/grandchildren to see you model appreciation? I’m committing to write a note once a week. What about you?

Affirmation: I’m very grateful. 

Coaching questions: To whom would you like to send a handwritten note of thanks? Do it!

Thank A Farmer

by Mershon Niesner

To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven…a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted. Ecclesiastes 3:2, The Bible

I grew up in Nebraska and I’m still a Nebraska girl at heart. Although my ancestors were country doctors, boot makers, lumberyard owners, I have a deep love and respect for the land and farmers. Prior to moving to Florida, we lived on the edge of Illinois farmland and I felt a part of the planting, sprouting, growing, harvesting seasons and saw the farmers working the fields into the night at harvest time.  

Today is National Farmer’s Day and an opportunity to pay tribute to all farmers throughout American history. I have the utmost respect for our farmers in today’s highly technical yet labor intensive and unforgiving industry. Thank a farmer today for putting food on your table.

Affirmation: I appreciate farmers.

Coaching request: Take a moment to consider the food in your pantry and refrigerator and what it took to plant, grow, and harvest the wheat to make your bread. Consider the birthing of calves, gathering of eggs, or feeding of chickens. Consider the back breaking job of picking your lettuce or broccoli. Be grateful.

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October, Baptize Me With Leaves!

by Mershon Niesner

October, baptize me with leaves! Swaddle me in corduroy and nurse me with split pea soup. October, tuck tiny candy bars in my pockets and carve my smile into a thousand pumpkins. O autumn! O teakettle! O grace! Rainbow Rowell, American author

What a lovely ode to October. I guess if your first name is Rainbow, you have no choice but to become a poet. Right? I no longer experience the leaves or corduroy (does anyone wear corduroy anymore?), but  I did put out buckets of mums, pumpkins, wreaths of colored leaves on my front door, and I made some beef-vegetable soup. I’m celebrating! 

With so many tragedies happening in the world…earthquakes, tsunamis, floods…we must grab the gold ring of October and, if we are safe and whole, be thankful for our blessings and do what we can for those unable to celebrate. 

Affirmation: I am grateful.

Coaching question: How are you celebrating Fall? What can you do for those less fortunate? 

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Gratitude The Japanese Way

by Mershon Niesner

In Japan, you say Itadakimasu before each meal to show respect to every life that went into creating your dish and to give thanks for both the food and your ability to receive it. Quoted from Oprah Magazine

It’s been my tradition since I was a little girl to say grace before each meal so I was interested in this Eastern outlook. Saying grace, whether by using the word Itakakimasu or with a child singing their words, is a ritual that gives us an opportunity to pause and consider our abundance.

Gratitude is one of the primary tenets of a joy filled life. Being grateful, on purpose, at least three times a day is a good start.

Affirmation: I am grateful.

Coaching question: How do you voice your gratitude? Whatever your faith tradition, consider saying something out loud at your mealtime to show your gratitude.

What I Learned At T-Ball

by Mershon Niesner

There are three types of baseball players: Those who make it happen, those who watch it happen and those who wonder what happens. Tommy Lasorda, Major League Baseball pitcher and manager

T-Ball for boys and girls 4 and 5 years old proves this quote over and over. A few are in there making it happen (mostly the coach’s son), as the ball comes their way, some watch it happen wondering to whom it will roll, and some have no idea what’s going on, wondering which left field they are supposed to play. The good news…they all seem to be having fun…well, except the very shy boy I observed while at bat.

Here’s what I learned:

  • “Measure” (this is what my granddaughter calls practice swings) with the bat before you try to hit the ball – Practice a bit before you try something new
  • If your helmet is too big, hold onto it by the ear holes while running bases – Make do with what you have
  • Try not to hit your coach with the bat – Respect your leaders if they are worthy
  • Graciously thank your team mates’ parents for the snacks – Have an attitude of gratitude
  • Be glad when your older sibs, “Uncle” Pete, and grandparents watch your game – Never take your family for granted…they will always be there for you

Affirmation: I know how to play ball.

Coaching questions: What have you learned lately from the children in your life? How will you apply this learning?

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It’s Just One Day

by Mershon Niesner

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. Melody Beattie, Author of self-help books on codependent relationships.

Mother’s Day can be difficult for many women, not just those of us who have lost our mothers, but women who are estranged from their mothers, have no children but wish they did, those who have lost a child, or those who are away from their family.

For me, gratitude helps me cope. I’m grateful for the friendly smile, brown eyes and sunny personality I got from my mom, I’m grateful for my three wonderful children and three step kids, eight grands, 11 step grands, and 2-1/2 step greats. What a bountiful life I have! And even though it’s a day for mothers, I am especially grateful for my dad who partnered with me to create a joyful childhood and beyond.

For those who started moaning in misery last week about the approach of Mother’s Day, I’m sad. After all, it is just one day.

Affirmation: I’m grateful.

Coaching questions: What helps you feel grateful on a difficult day? What difference can you make in someone else’s day today?