Author: HarrisGroup

JMH Blog

Day 16 – Gratitude Challenge

In recent days, I had several conversations about people going through health challenges. Some of the issues are significant while others are relatively minor. These conversations are reminder of how delicate life can be.

I have a pretty good life health wise. I have relatively few major health issues. Some is due to luck. But over the last few years I have made health a priority. I am in reasonably good shape (though I hope to get in better shape). I try to walk at least 10,000 steps (about 5 miles) every day. Current streak is at 990 days. I eat fairly well. So, overall good health.

Today I am grateful for my health. Especially, this good health I presently enjoy. After I write this blog post, I am going to take my dog for a short walk outside. It’s 21 degrees but feels like 0 and is dark. I’ll try to be grateful that I can do this. maybe you can do something healthy today too. Take a walk. Eat a vegetable. Workout. Drink more water.

Day 15 – Gratitude Challenge

Few will remember that he would have been a year older today. I am sad he no longer with us. But I am grateful for the 59+ years he was on earth. His life and his death have impacted my life beyond measure. My brother was special. Happy Birthday, Jeff! Thanks for letting blow out the candles.

Take time today to notice the people around you. Don’t just float through the day and mindlessly interact. Go out of your way to give compliments to people. Often, we have no idea what people may be going through. Maybe someone just lost a family member. Maybe someone just lost a job. Maybe they just ended a relationship. Your compliment may make all the difference today.

Day 14- Gratitude Challenge

The other day someone asked me if writing this blog daily was difficult. I asked the person for clarification. “Don’t you run out of gratitude ideas?” My response was, “Absolutely not. In fact, it is the opposite. I only have 30 days and there is so much to be grateful for and ways to express it.”

Gratitude includes ideas, thoughts, words, and ideas that focus your mind on abundance. While I have a plan for each day, I sometimes alter the plan based on mood, world events, and Vikings football games. I worry that I will leave out important people, ideas, thoughts, and things in this challenge. For instance, today’s post will focus on a very specific group of people for whom I am deeply grateful. This doesn’t mean I am not grateful for others. If you are reading this, I am grateful for your support. Even if you don’t read this, I am grateful for you. If you made someone’s life better today, I am grateful for you. If you play for the Minnesota Vikings, I am grateful for you. Get the point?

But today is about special groups. I have been fortunate to have been a part of many special groups in my life. Today I want to focus on a group that has been a great source of support, joy, and pride over the last few years.

I started going to Augie Volleyball games many years ago when my youngest son was still in elementary school. It was a way to spend time with him and support my students. Over the years, my attendance became more frequent, I became somewhat of a super fan, and rarely missed a home game. I still have no idea what happens. I cannot tell the difference between a 6-2, 5-1, or 10-4 scheme. I don’t understand blocking or defensive schemes. But it is an exciting sport to watch. But I digress..

Four years ago, I agreed to teach a class that included freshman volleyball and soccer players. In my 16 years at Augustana, this was my favorite class. All the students in that class are amazing and have a special place in my heart (I hope they all read that sentence). All are going to do great things in this world.

However, the freshman volleyball players chose to take another class with me. In the class, I hoped to focus on Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos. I loved the students in the class. Notably, the class holds the record for the most pizza fines. However, it was my least favorite class ever for two reasons. First, the class was forced to “pivot” online at the beginning of the pandemic. Second, it was full of unnecessary academic oversight and bureaucracy. But again, I digress.

This gratitude post is about the Augie Volleyball team. They are an amazing group. I am particularly grateful for the six who were a part of the best and worst classes in my academic career. It is no coincidence that I was wearing an Augustana Volleyball hoodie when I made a decision to change my life two years ago. I am appreciative of how hard these players work both on and off the court. They inspire me. Three teammates will graduate this year. One will become a nurse, another is going into marketing, and one will transition into a management or marketing role. I can’t wait to see how they change the world.

Three of the original six will play another season (Covid gave students an extra year if they wanted). Yet, “the group” played their last game on Friday night. It wasn’t the result I hoped for. The night before, the team defeated the number 2 team in the nation in a five set thriller. It was the second time this season they beat a top-five team. When they played at their best, it was magical. Over the years, I have enjoyed all of the players and teams. But as discussed above, this team is special.

The picture attached to this post is serendipitous (or fate). As background, in recent years I have visited one of the first practices for many of the fall sports. When I stopped by volleyball this year, they were taking their team pictures. Both the photographer and the team suggested I pose with many of the players (the freshman were wondering who the heck is this old guy and why is he taking pictures with the team?) This picture is something I will cherish. I am so grateful for this program, the players, and the coaches involved.

The challenge today is to think about a special group of people (not your family). What makes this group special? Why are you grateful for this group? Reach out to all, most, or some of the group and express your gratitude.

Day 13 Gratitude Challenge

“The ultimate purpose of habits is to solve the problems of life with as little energy and effort as possible.”

— James Clear

It’s been almost two weeks since we started. Have you noticed any difference in your your attitude? Are you happier? Are you more appreciative? Do people respond to your gratitude?

One of my goals is to make gratitude a habit. It would be great if everyone did but I can only change myself. Habits take time. But it isn’t hard to incorporate gratitude into your routine. If you have read and completed all the challenges so far, you are on your way to a habit.

Todays find time and reflect. Reflect upon the progress you have made since the beginning of the challenge. Be grateful for what has happened. Notice what is working? How have you changed? Are you complaining less? Focused on what you do rather than what others do? What didn’t work? How can you improve? Just as sports teams make adjustments at halftime, so should you. SKOL Vikings

Day 12 – Gratitude Challenge

“The key to beating chatter isn’t to stop talking to yourself. The challenge is to figure out how to do so more effectively.”

Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It by Ethan Kross

Words matter. The words you use influence your life. Think about your own internal dialog. What words do use? Are they positive? Inspiring? Negative? Consider the impact of asking better questions. If you ask empowering questions, you will receive empowering answers.

So today, focus on the language you use in speaking with yourself and others. Rather than asking “How are you today?” Ask “What is good today?” Ask “What are your grateful for today?” Ask “How can I solve this problem AND have fun doing it?”

Be creative with your language. Pay attention to the responses you receive. Also, no complaining and pay it forward.

Day 11 – Gratitude Challenge

For many, today is a holiday. It is a day off from work. But it is, and should be, so much more. It is Veterans Day.

In 1926, Congress passed the following:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

Millions of people have served our country, including many I care deeply about. My grandfather, father, uncles, cousins, and many others have served. So today, I am grateful for the veterans, living and dead, who served our country honorably.

Day 10 – Gratitude Challenge

As I suspected, my spouse did not read or comment on my blog post. It’s okay, she is not a social media person. She is busy with other things.

Yesterday was a long day but I did experience the joys of nature. When I woke up, the temperature was about 60 degrees which is unusual this time of year. Hence, I took nice morning walk with my dog. At the beginning of the walk it was dark and I enjoyed the stillness and quiet. Towards the end of the walk, it started to get lighter. As we returned home a couple of ducks flew by quacking about something. Throughout the day, when I had a moment, I thought about the beauty I see in nature everyday. Just thinking about it made me a bit happier.

The challenge today is simple. Today, commit a random AND anonymous act of kindness (or at least try to be anonymous). It is important to do nice things for others. This could be anything really. Put coins in an expired parking meter. Buy a strangers lunch or coffee. Send flowers to someone. Leave an encouraging note for a coworker Want some more ideas? See this list

Don’t forget, you can do todays challenge along with other previous challenges. Remember no complaining? Caught myself complaining on the way to work this morning. Finally, take time to notice how the actions make you feel. How did others react? Was it worth it? Have great day!

Day 9 – Gratitude Challenge

Yesterday, after work I was talking with my spouse. She indicated she sent an encouraging note to a dear friend that was going through a challenge. I thanked her for reading my blog posts and taking action. She said “What do you mean?” After forcing her to read my Day 8 post, she exclaimed “This is exactly what a I did.” Long story short, I know few read my posts. This is okay. I am grateful for those that do. Better to help one than none.

Today the challenge is to focus on nature. Think about what is beautiful. Is it the sunrise? Sunset? Beach? Mountain? Trees? Find the beauty and think about it, smile, and be grateful. T

he picture at the top of this post is from a hike this summer. It was an amazing day. I will spend some time thinking about that today.

Day 8 Gratitude Challenge

Yesterday was a success. I paid it forward at a local coffee shop. I didn’t make the impulse buy. I complained less than usual. College basketball is back on. It was a god day.

Today is Election Day. I am grateful the unnecessary mail, television ads, and door knocking will be reduced. While I am grateful for the opportunity to vote, I don’t like the negativity of the election cycle.

Recently, I was decluttering. This is a never ending process in my house. I found a letter written to my dad by a friend when my dad was in the hospital. The letter said “Please take good care of yourself and take it easy. We need a healthy Dr. Harris in South Dakota. I am grateful that you are on the mend.” I remember that illness. My dad almost died. I can only imagine the impact the letter I had on my father.

The challenge today is to put down your devices. Get off social media (after you read this) and take time to write a letter of gratitude to someone that has made a difference in your life. Then mail the letter Delivery by hand, interoffice mail, or carrier pigeon are acceptable methods too. Bonus points if you send more than one.

Not sure who is worthy of a note? Here is a possible list – grandparents, parents, spouse, child, sibling, coworker, mentor, teacher, professor, or candidate for public office (just have a dialogue change if we sent notes thanking candidates rather than throwing beer cans or attacking with hammers).

One final thought, do you want to take this challenge to the next level? Perform two of the previous challenges each day. Imagine how you will feel if you write a note, pay it forward, and do not complain all day. Imagine how others would respond if you did so. Imagine a better world.

Day 7 Gratitude Challenge

First, full disclosure, I was traveling yesterday and forgot to pay it forward. It will happen today. Second, remember the challenge from Day 1? Try it again today. Third, tomorrow is Election Day in the US. It is your right and your duty to vote. Now on to the challenge….

Today the challenge asks you to resist the marketing. We are constantly asked to buy things through ads n television, radio, social media, websites, and print media. Today, don’t indulge. Don’t make that impulse buy. Instead, save the money or buy for someone else. Bring treats to your office. Take friend to lunch, coffee, or drinks. Focus on someone other than yourself.

%d bloggers like this: