Tag: Gratitude Attitude

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 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.

Day 5 – Express Gratitude

Today is simple. Express gratitude to others. It’s one thing to think about it. Another to write about it. Today, express your gratitude to at least three people. That’s it

Day 4 – Cherished Memories

“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. And when he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”

Yesterday’s challenge called for one to live in the present with gratitude. Do not focus on the past for it is done. Do not dream about the $1.5 billion lottery I will win on Saturday. Imagine those gratitude posts! Live now with what is happening now. Enjoy the moment because it is here.

So what happened? Yesterday was hectic. I had several meetings that took more time than anticipated. Issues popped up throughout the day that we unexpected. And there was a funeral. A funeral of a friend who died too young. Trying to be present at a funeral is challenging. It puts perspective on everything. Life is precious. Each day is a gift. And we are so interconnected.

Today’s challenge requires us to focus on cherished memories. Rarely do we understand the value of experience until it has passed. Below, I outline a cherished memory.

In the late spring of 1996, I moved to a new community. One of the first people I met were young married couple about my age. We quickly hit it off and became friends. Less than a month after moving, this couple invited me to go golfing with them on a Saturday. They heard it was my birthday and wanted to make sure it was special. The course is a small tight nine-hole golf course with small greens. We played the first nine holes fairly quickly and decided to play another 9. As we came off the number 3 green, a golf cart driven by a young kid approached us with a note.

The note was for me. The note said “Paramedics called. Call your mom at home.” I jumped in the cart and rode back to the clubhouse (cellphones were not widely used yet). In the clubhouse, I called my mother and learned that my father had unexpectedly passed away.

I drove back to my friends and told them what happened. It’s an awkward moment when you tell friends your dad died. I suspect it’s worse when you are still in your 20s. The wife immediately gave me a big hug. The comfort and calm I felt with that hug was exactly what I needed at that moment. The husband hugged me too but we were 20 something guys and it was awkward..but he meant well. I don’t remember much after that except I left the golf course and drove 30 minutes to my mother’s house.

A few months later this couple would move to a different community. However, our lives would intersect many times. We eventually moved to the same community. We ran into each other at church, social events, and restaurants. Our oldest and their youngest went through confirmation together.

Every time I saw either of them, I remembered that day in 1996 when two people I barely knew, treated me with such care, compassion, and kindness when my father passed. I don’t think I ever thank them for their kindness. Yet, that moment on the golf course is one of my most cherished memories.

Unfortunately, Shannon passed away in March 2021. Yesterday, I went to Lee’s funeral. I hope that Shannon greeted Lee with a big hug when he passed. Both died too young but I will always have that memory of the moment on the golf course. I am grateful for that memory.

Day 3 Gratitude Challenge

Yesterday, I took time to notice and appreciate the small things. I also strive to continue refraining from whining or complaining. How did I do? Better than day 1.

The first small thing I noticed was the temperature when I walked my dog before sunrise. The normal temperature this time of year ranges from 34° to 50°F. This morning it was 60° at 6am! Normally I like the cool and cold weather we get in winter. When you can walk your dog before the sun comes up wearing only a hoodie in November, this is a good thing. I took a few moments to gaze at the colorful vibrant sunset. Enjoyed my coffee in the morning and my tea at night. Watched part of the World Series. My team is not playing but watching reminded me of when they were. Finally, I shared a funny story with a friend I haven’t connected with in awhile. At the end of day, I felt better than day 1. The goal is not perfection but rather improvement. Be grateful for what is rather than what is not.

Which is a nice segue to todays challenge. Today you are to focus on the present. Be mindful. By mindful, I mean be aware. So today, be aware of what is happening. Do not focus on what has happened. Do not focus on what may happen. Be grateful for all that is today. At least three times today, stop what you are doing and be grateful for what is.