Add Another Dimension To Your Life - Gratitude and Giving

One of the key characteristics of successful entrepreneurs is a positive attitude. An entrepreneur will take an “Oh cr*p” moment and turn it into a “Lesson Learned.” An entrepreneur inspires his team through moments of stress and concern. An entrepreneur knows that you can often make more money in an economic downturn than you can in an upturn. So, bad news is good news. And good news is great.

In my opinion, that’s all part of believing that abundance exists. The sky isn’t falling. Or if it is, sell umbrellas (or roof coverings or bomb shelters). Whatever happens, you will not just survive, you will thrive.

That “can do” attitude is hard to maintain in a world of “can’t do”. Here’s one secret I use: Add another dimension to your life by adding gratitude and giving.

Gratitude is to remember the richness and abundance you had in the past. When you practice gratitude it brings a memory of a time when that act or gift was really a touch to your soul.

In another thread, MW talked about the time when she volunteered in N. Arizona where the people living there had no running water. She remembers what that was like, and so she is grateful every time she turns on a water faucet.

I have a teenage son that I adore (David.) But the reality of day-to-day life is that David was so badly scarred in his previous life before us that the hurt comes oozing out when stress gets higher. It’s hard to remain balanced when he gets that angry. So, I’m grateful for those moments when his gentle nature and naturally giving spirit rule his actions. I’m grateful for my husband Richard who is a steady rock no matter what. I’m grateful for my friends and mentors. The list goes on and on. We actually have an exercise we do at our home when we’ve had a rough patch that we call the “Gratitude Exercise”.

Gratitude helps us recognize the abundance we have had in the past.

Now comes the harder part, how do you look at an uncertain future and still feel abundance? Honest, from the heart, giving and the commitment to sustained giving is a promise to the future. If you pick something to give to that deeply touches your heart, you can’t turn your back on it. You MUST find a way, no matter what to honor your commitment. In my darkest times these past 6 months (business break-up, etc) I knew that I couldn’t just retire and go away, I had to continue. My husband and I have supported David’s former orphanage for almost 4 years now. We provide the money for the basics there (power, water, etc) but more is always needed. However, without our basic contribution, it would be very hard for them. Every time I feel like giving up, I know I can’t because there are 21 children who might not have electricity or water or gas for their vehicles tomorrow if I do.

The pledge to give, and to do it in a sustainable manner, is to recognize the abundance in your future.

And if you’ve had all that in the past and will have it in the future, then your present can’t help but be fantastic.