May 11, 2012

Today's message: Express gratitude

William Arthur Ward said, "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." That's why today's message, like all messages this week, is not merely about feeling, it is about doing.

In other words, don't just be grateful. Express your gratitude, say 'thank you' and mean it.

If I might share a word of caution, please don't be indiscriminate in your thankfulness for that takes meaning away from it. I once had a supervisor who would say to me, "Thanks a ton," about everything I did. I fully believe that he thought he was showing appreciation, but in my mind, there was no acknowledgement of special effort for I received the same level of praise even when I performed below my expectations.

I doubt that any of us work for praise. However, the right amount of praise, at the right time, sure goes a long way. It is the optimistic thing to do. Share your appreciation and soon you'll realize that you are sharing optimism too.



Experience Optimism is providing a "Share Optimism" poster every day this week. Based on the positive tenets of the Optimist Creed, we hope that you will find a favorite (or two) and share some of your optimism with others today. (5 of 7) 

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