Gratitude

"Gratitude brings more to be grateful about." I just read that quote from Louise L. Hay today and found it to be very timely.

On my way to work this morning, I started thinking about a former boss. He was a wonderful mentor to me and a great leader. I have such respect and affection for him and wondered what he would think about my promotion. I composed a letter of gratitude in my head on my way to work and promised myself I'd handwrite a letter to him today. It felt so good just recalling all the ways he'd helped and supported me early in my career.

Before I got to work, I thought about one of our maintenance assistants and a job he did for me this week. He moved all my marketing materials from an upstairs closet to a downstairs one. It took most of the day and when he was finished the new closet looked fantastic. He had stacked everything so neatly and was very proud of the work he'd done.

I thought it may be nice to pick up a scratch-off lottery card for him to show my appreciation so I stopped at a local convenience store/Dunkin' Donuts. After I bought the card, I stood in line to buy a muffin. Our postman from work was ahead of me and we chatted for a while. He insisted on paying for my muffin. It was a small gesture but it made me feel good and was a lovely start to my day.

I wrote my gratitude letter as soon as I got in the office before I got too busy. A few hours later, I checked on a family member of one of our residents who has moved to a nursing home. His daughter knew of my love of 18th century samplers as I had admired her father's collection. She handed me a book on antique embroidery and told me she wanted me to have it. Again, a small gesture that made me feel wonderful.

About a half hour after that, I got back to my office just as another family member of a different resident was delivering a gorgeous bouquet of roses to me. I was stunned and so grateful! What a lovely, generous gift!

I sat there in awe of the blessings I'd received over the course of what I thought was going to be a normal Saturday at work. I started the day in a spirit of gratitude which multiplied tenfold by the end of it.

So many recommend always having an attitude of gratitude and now I know why. My heart is filled with it now.