Gratitude

I am grateful for my life, not just the good parts but the bad as well. They may suck while they’re happening but at least they mean I am still alive.

But isn’t it better to be grateful daily than to be a bastard most of the time and save up the goodness for the “holiday season?” The Washington Post published a blurb in today’s Business section about gratitude in the workplace:

If you haven’t thanked a co-worker this week, you’re behind on your gratitude quota. That could cost you professionally and personally.

Gratitude can inspire workers to produce: an Adecco/Harris Interactive survey last year found two-thirds of respondents in their 20s and early 30s said they work harder if they get more thanks.

And those who dole out thanks are more energetic, healthier and have more connections with people, says Charles D. Kerns, a Pepperdine associate professor of applied behavioral science. Citing his own and others’ research, he notes that gratitude enhances optimism and reduces stress.

He distinguishes gratitude from performance rewards such as bonuses. Gratitude is more personal and creates a positive culture.

Gratitude also fosters goodwill, loyalty and productivity, all of which could be valuable in a poor economy. “The expression of gratitude may help one adapt to life’s challenges,” Kerns says.

“Gratitude is one emerging area . . . that appears to have a place in the workplace to help produce happy high-performers.”

And that’s true every day, not just on Thanksgiving.

– “Working,” by Vickie Elmer, The Washington Post, Thursday, November 27, 2008; Page D02

and given that we go this from our BigBoss yesterday:

You. I am grateful that I get to work with all of you and that we had a successful year, even if we had to fly by the seat of our pants for most of it. Thanks for all of the great work you all do every day.

[Our organization] has an amazing team. I’m thankful to be part of it.

I would say most of us know these things to be true.

So, make a resolution to say thank you to someone you wouldn’t normally say thank you to: the person who makes your sandwich at Subway, someone who holds the door for you on the way into a public building, your spouse or roommate when she does something that really is her chore to do anyway, and see how it feels. Before I go bake cheesy bread I leave you with this: