Just Say Thank You

Just say Thank You…

Two very simple words, really.  But when offered with sincerity or wrapped in a heartfelt note of gratitude, the words can literally be worthy of changing lives.  (Because they’re more than words actually, they convey a sentiment of Gratitude.)

Think about the last time someone thanked you for something.  Was it sincere or mechanical?  If it was sincere, you may in fact still remember it.  More importantly, you may remember how it made you feel.  The sentiment these two very simple words convey can ignite emotions far beyond that which we can comprehend.  If you think that may be over-sensationalizing a bit, try thinking about the wife who feels underappreciated by her overworked husband, when he finally takes the time to lovingly tell her how much he appreciates her for the role she plays in his life and that of the family.  Then there’s the homeless veteran who has given so much of himself to the freedoms of our country who stands proud when thanked for his service by a complete stranger.

The words thank you have almost become as silent as the words hello or good-bye - sad, but true nonetheless.  But if you think about it, all we need to do to increase the volume and accentuate the powerful words is to offer them with sincerity.  Sound too simple?

Think about the last time you offered a thank-you to someone?  Assuming you took the time, was it a reactionary response or did you really mean it?  If your words were spoken, did you look the person in the eye?  If your words were written, did you take the time to convey sincerity?  Did you even make an effort in the first place?  (Tough question for some of us.)

Typically, when we communicate, we connect with each other through the windows of our souls – our eyes.  Next time you say thank you to someone, take a moment to look them in the eye.  Chances are you’ll give them pause and bring a smile to their face.  And if not, that’s okay.  They’ll know you meant it.  Now, take it a step further and see if you can get their name.  When I go through the checkout line at Wal-Mart or Target I’m quick to check out the name tag of the cashier or associate and make sure to use their name when I say thank you.  Using a person’s name is so uncommon that, when used, will stop them in their tracks.  Addressing them by name implies you took a moment especially for them, and adds a powerful accentuation to your gesture. 

Want to bring more positive energy into your life?  Start by thanking those around you for the good they bring to you.  Find a reason to say thank you and back it up by sending them a thank-you note, e-mail, text, or give them a call and tell them!  You may find this difficult to believe, but the gesture of gratitude and appreciation perpetuates good will.  Good will softens the heart and prepares us to receive inasmuch as it prepares us to offer even more gratitude.  It’s as contagious as a sincere smile exchanged between strangers.  And it's an often overlooked law of nature.  You know - "What goes around, comes around."

Are there stressors in your life?  Negative energy?  "Bad luck?"  In today’s world, whose life isn’t stressful from time-to-time?  Does the stress and misfortune seem to have a dominant hold on your life?  Do you tend to take stock of all the things in your life that are negative that you’re not thankful for?  Instead, why not take a moment to look at your life from the opposite perspective of what you do have that you’re thankful for and think about what your life would be like without the assets you do have – your health, your family, your home, your friends, your faith.  Start by thanking your Creator for bringing all the good into your life – the people, the shelter, the experiences.  An amazing thing will begin to happen – your life will begin to manifest and perpetuate changes that bring about even more abundance!  It’s overly simplistic but universally certain!  After all, if you tend not to appreciate that which you do have, how can you expect to appreciate that which you don’t? 

Who do you need to thank?  How will it impact your life?  How will it impact theirs?  Why not take a moment to find out?  Be ready though.  Because as soon as you act on this simple truth, things will begin to change positively for you!  Go ahead, test it!

I'd love to know how this works for you.  Drop me a line and tell me about the way this concept changed your life or that of the one you thanked.

Until next time!

- G -

"Gratitude, sincerely expressed, is the wisest gift a man can give."  - G. Westfal - 

If you'd like to receive a notification anytime I publish a new blog (currently about every two weeks), visit my Facebook page: G. Gary Westfal, Author

Once there, click on "Get Update via RSS" on the bottom of the left column.  You'll be subscribed and will receive notification whenever I publish a new blog or provide updates to my novel Dream State.  And help me by recommending this blog to others and "liking" my FB page.

Please visit my All American Warriors! bog at: http://allamericanwarriors.blogspot.com/ 

Please visit my website: www.gwestfal.com

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Be Yourself

Be yourself!  No regrets…

We’re often told that in order to achieve any level of success, we should follow proven formulas and logically established patterns.  Our dreams and aspirations are judged and categorized according to perceptions by those who are all-too-ready to offer advice, albeit with the best of intentions.  Typically, this advice comes from those closest to us – our parents, family, and friends.  So it goes that we’re often told how to be just like someone else in order to become an individual success.  Yet, rarely, if ever, do we hear the wise counsel of advice to just be ourselves, be different, or unique.   

I’m all for modeling when it comes to success.  After all, why re-invent the wheel or create a new process to pursuing success when proven paths already exist?  After all, the traditional routes will work and provide expected rewards.  And if that’s your desire, by all means, take the path and enjoy the journey!  That said however, there is some merit in being true to ourselves, setting aside fears, and embarking on a path of creativity, imagination and innovation.  There’s so much more satisfaction potential in that route…if you have the fortitude.  If you desire to experience a satisfaction and fulfillment few truly enjoy, reach deep and look for the true essence of your calling.  Trust me; you’ll know it when you discover it. 

Those who have discovered and acted upon their true calling or deep desires, understand it comes with an inherent personal responsibility.  Like most other things we’ve discussed in this forum, decisions must be made unilaterally with a complete understanding that no one else will care and feed for your passions like you will!  Therefore, once you make the discovery, it's incumbent upon YOU to nurture and guard your dreams and aspirations with everything you’ve got in order to see it to fruition.  As you most likely already know however, discouragement lurks around every corner and among every gesture of “good advice” to take the easy way out and follow the crowd.  After all, being different takes work, determination...fortitude.  The best way to defend yourself?

Be true to yourself.  Discover yourself.  Know yourself! 

In one of the college courses I teach, we speak about the elements of effective decision-making.  I use it to teach a decision-making process from a business perspective.  One of the best models I’ve discovered is the “OODA” Loop.  This model, originally designed by USAF Colonel John Boyd, serves as a benchmark concept originally applied to the combat operations process.  But it is a useful tool across a much wider spectrum and can be applied here as a self-analysis tool as well.  See if you can apply it as you think of how to identify and evaluate your circumstances with respect to your calling.

•  Observe
•  Orient
•  Decide
•  Act

Observe – One of the most basic, yet difficult, aspects of this process is to be still long enough to gather enough information about ourselves to be useful.  Oftentimes this requires us to quiet our minds, conduct an honest assessment of our situation, circumstances, surroundings and self-reliance capacity in order to form an overall realistic plan to achieve a desired outcome.  I mention self-reliance because this is all about your capacity and willingness to fulfill all of the steps in order to reach your goal and enjoy the fruits of your passion once you discover your innermost desires. 

A word of caution is in order here – be careful to discern the difference between a realistic discovery and fantasy.  This can sometimes be difficult to accomplish given the original blueprint of your “programming.”  Are you programmed for success?  If so, your mind will “show” you things quite easily and you'll tend to choose wisely.  If you’re not, you’re likely to be discouraged and easily give up when things get tough or obstacles present themselves.  Don’t worry though – most of us can be reprogrammed.  I’m living proof of that. 

Orient – Okay, so you think you have a pretty good idea of your circumstances, obstacles, and willingness to follow through.  Cool!  Now it’s time to orient yourself. 

A word-picture exercise may be in order here.  Draw a circle in the center of a blank page.  Put your name in the circle.  Now, choose a label that best describes your passion and place it right under your name.  I used “writer” for my label.  Yours may be actor, engineer, business owner, father, mother, volunteer, philanthropist, doctor, etc. 

Place all of the elements you require to reach your passions or calling in random circles outside your name.  Those that are easiest to reach or achieve should be placed closest.  Those that are more elusive should be placed a bit further away.  The same must be done with your known circumstances, distractions or obstacles.  Words that are appropriate for these circles are things like geography (long distance), money/funding, time, market, self-doubt, etc.  

Decide – Once you’ve oriented yourself and have collected the elements and obstacles of your circumstances, it’s time to decide on a plan of action.  This step is sometimes referred to as the roadmap step.  With any good plan we must first determine our current position (our circumstances or status) followed closely with an analysis of the obstacles we're likely to face along the way, and a clear plan to avoid or deal with those obstacles.  We must also ensure we have the necessary fuel it’ll take to drive on toward our destination (drive, motivation, fortitude, etc.). 

Act –Without action, a plan remains just that - a plan – good intentions in a dormant state.  This step of action is perhaps one of the most important and pivotal among all the elements.  Although action by itself will not guarantee success, without it, results will never materialize. 

One important element bearing inclusion with the action step is follow-through!  Make sure to stay on top of your game and be consistent in looking after your plan.  Educate yourself, defend your goal or objective, and feed your desire in order to maintain your momentum.  It's so easy to disrupt the flow of action...especially in the beginning.  Stay consistent and follow-through and you will realize your goal! 

Dare to be different…dare to be unique…dare to be yourself!  Doing so brings out the very best and stirs an emotion from deep within ourselves that is such an awesome experience!  It’s not about money.  It’s not about fame.  It’s something much more substantive.  It’s truly about recognizing our calling or desire and knowing we have the courage to act on a dream or an inspiration that will bring true happiness and fulfillment to the human spirit!  I encourage you to experience it.  You won't regret it.  

Until next time...

 - G -

"To be true to one's self is the essence of true happiness."  - G. Westfal - 

If you'd like to receive a notification anytime I publish a new blog (currently about every two weeks), visit my Facebook page: G. Gary Westfal, Author

Once there, click on "Get Update via RSS" on the bottom of the left column.  You'll be subscribed and will receive notification whenever I publish a new blog or provide updates to my novel Dream State.  And help me by recommending this blog to others and "liking" my FB page.

Please visit my All American Warriors! bog at: http://allamericanwarriors.blogspot.com/ 

Please visit my website: www.gwestfal.com