After reading this quote today, it struck me that it is a wonderful expression of being grateful:
“A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot and realize how blessed you are!” (author unknown)
Assume Nothing
How often do we make assumptions about something that happens or what people are thinking and, how often are we wrong about that? When we make assumptions, we don’t leave room to let it be, let it become clear, let it unfold. When we reserve our judgment, we are often pleasantly surprised by the intention of the act or the thought. Wait for it. You’ll be grateful you did.
Do More
What does it mean to ‘do more?’ I think it means we need to open our hearts to those in need, lend a helping hand in the smallest of ways (the big ways count, too) and be there for family, friends, neighbors and people we don’t even know – whenever we are needed. People are most often grateful when we do. Sounds like a good thing for me to do more of.
Need Less
Needing less is a foreign concept to most of us — in this age of possessions and instant gratification, having something is just a few key strokes away on our computers or smart devices and, it lands in our mailbox or on our doorstep in a matter of days. I have to work hard on this one, too (think shoe fetish). As I think more about this, if I need less, if I can do ‘without,’ then there is more time and space for something else. What could that be? If I’m not in the mindset of ‘needing’ I can be open for ‘receiving.’ That makes sense to me. I might be grateful for the unexpected gifts I receive. I think I’ll try that.
Smile Often
For me this one is easy but, for some it is not. What happens when you see someone and they smile at you? Do you smile back? Smiling is a great reliever of stress, it breaks down barriers between people and it is often the precursor of laughter – which we all know is ‘the best medicine.’ Seeing people smile at me lifts my spirits and it makes me feel better when I smile back. Smiling is contagious … and a good thing to ‘catch.’ I’m always grateful when someone smiles at me.
Dream Big
Everyone needs dreams, aspirations and visions. Why not make them big ones! No one is stopping you. No one can hold you back. Except you, of course. My dreams are expressed in images on a vision board which I keep in my home office – I look at it often and change it as dreams change or I achieve one. What are your dreams? How will you feel when you achieve one of them? What will you do to reward yourself for that achievement? I believe if we want something badly enough, we can make it happen for ourselves. And when we do, we’re grateful for all those who helped us make it happen. Our big dream paid off!
Laugh A Lot
My favorite expression is: “Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much.” I am also fortunate to live with a man whose role in this life is to make people laugh – so, I do laugh.a.lot. For some, it is not as easy. But, just like with smiling, laughing is so good for the soul and it relieves us of tension. Think about the last time you laughed so hard you cried or you got the hiccups or your sides and cheeks hurt. Capture that feeling … be grateful for those times. And find more of them.
Realize How Blessed You Are … and how grateful you can be
Counting our blessings and expressing our gratitude for both the smallest things and the biggest things in our lives can give us a priceless gift. The gift of peace. If we are spending our time being grateful for what we do have, rather than wishing for what we don’t have … if we are spending our time doing more and needing less … if we are focused on dreaming big and working to make those dreams happen … all the while, smiling and making others smile and laughing and making others laugh … we have a good, peaceful life. We are blessed. And, we can be truly grateful.
Make this your day ~~ Explore … Dream … Discover!
Chief Inspiration Officer | SafeHarbor Coaching | For women facing life transitions
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