Terri's Tuesday Tip of the Week - November 24th

 Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy. – Jacques Maritain

 

When the pilgrims arrived at Plymouth, they gave thanks for safe travels and the blessings of the previous year.  That celebration developed into Thanksgiving in the United States.  This year, we have many things to be thankful just as the pilgrims were. 

 

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. – Cynthia Ozick

 

Often times, individuals that are goal-oriented focus on accomplishing goals especially towards the end of the year and often forget the people that are helping and have helped them accomplish their goals and dreams.  Assistance may have been provided by helping with grocery shopping, babysitting kids, being a sounding board about ideas, etc.  When we isolate and focus only on goals, we are drawn away from people and this isolation often blinds us from the needs of other people.  This isolation often peculates selfishness in individuals.  To help counteract selfishness, it is important to thank people that support and help us.  Verbally thanking people reminds us of our dependence on them and fosters a desire inside us to serve them instead of them serving us. 

 

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. – William Arthur Ward

 

ACTION:  Find 5 people this week and thank them for the various ways they have helped you accomplish your goals and dreams.

 

Resource

·       https://www.success.com/why-gratitude-makes-you-a-better-leader/

·       https://rotaryeclubhouston.org/stories/the-black-dot-story

·       https://alltimeshortstories.com/inspirational-the-black-dot/

·       https://www.success.com/why-gratitude-makes-you-a-better-leader/

·       https://www.shutterfly.com/ideas/gratitude-quotes/

Terri's Tuesday Tip of the Week - November 17th

When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears. – Anthony Robbins

 

Thinking back to last week’s story about the how the college students focused on the black dot on the white piece of paper and not the surrounding space, it reminded the author of her apartment fire in 2019.  That was a difficult time where the author only focused on the situation and did not realize the blessings that would come from it.  Through that experience, she made amazing friends that are supportive and have richly blessed her life during social distancing in the pandemic. 

The author learned that every experience can turn out for our good.  During difficult times, we need to be grateful no matter the situation. 

 

Gratitude is riches. Complaint is poverty. – Doris Day

 

Gratitude for the present moment and the fullness of life now is the true prosperity. – Eckhart Tolle

 

 

ACTION:  During this time of pandemic, what are you grateful for?

 

Resource

·       https://rotaryeclubhouston.org/stories/the-black-dot-story

·       https://alltimeshortstories.com/inspirational-the-black-dot/

·       https://joycemeyer.org/everydayanswers/ea-teachings/thankfulness-the-key-to-having-the-life-you-really-want?utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Journey%20Through%20the%20Word-November-2020%2011-1-2020&utm_content=&spMailingID=18006307&spUserID=MTI2ODY0MzIzNDUyS0&spJobID=2000041279&spReportId=MjAwMDA0MTI3OQS2

·       https://my.bible.com/users/tlflow0811/reading-plans/11819-7-day-anxiety-detox-tips-for-overcoming-anxiety/subscription/571337453/day/5/segment/0

·       https://www.shutterfly.com/ideas/gratitude-quotes/

  

Terri's Tuesday Tip of the Week - November 10th

At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. – Albert Schweitzer

 

Recently, the author heard a story that gave her a new perspective on 2020.

 

A professor walked into his classroom and told his student there would be an unscheduled test, which caused fear in the students as they had not prepared.  Placing the papers on each student’s desk, he placed them face down.  When the students turned over the test, all the students saw was a black dot in the middle of the white piece of paper.  Seeing his perplexed students, the instructor told his class to write what they saw. 

 

Towards the end of the class, the instructor read the responses the students provided.  Every student discussed only the black dot on the paper by describing its size, its location on the paper, etc.  Silence fell over the classroom.  Standing at the front of the room, the instructor gave peace of mind to the students when he told them he would not be grading their test.  He proceeded to explain that no one discussed the white piece of paper.  They only focused on the dot in the middle of the page.  The professor explained that is how we are in life.  We have so many things to be grateful for and to experience, but we often only focus on the dark spots in life.    

 

Life is a present that we should be grateful for daily.  The problems encountered are often small; however, they are the focal point and the blessings are often missed.    

 

Each day when we wake up, we need to have the perspective on life of the white open space on the paper.  2020 may have seen like a humongous dark spot in life; however, there are so many things to be grateful for including waking up this morning, being able to read this blog post and for the freedom’s we have in this country. 

 

ACTION:  Tomorrow (November 11^th) is Veteran’s Day, which is a time to honor those who have protected our country to provide us the freedom’s we have.  Find a military veteran and thank them for your freedom.  There is always something to be thankful for. 

 

Resource

·       https://rotaryeclubhouston.org/stories/the-black-dot-story

·       https://alltimeshortstories.com/inspirational-the-black-dot/

·       https://joycemeyer.org/everydayanswers/ea-teachings/thankfulness-the-key-to-having-the-life-you-really-want?utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Journey%20Through%20the%20Word-November-2020%2011-1-2020&utm_content=&spMailingID=18006307&spUserID=MTI2ODY0MzIzNDUyS0&spJobID=2000041279&spReportId=MjAwMDA0MTI3OQS2

·       https://my.bible.com/users/tlflow0811/reading-plans/11819-7-day-anxiety-detox-tips-for-overcoming-anxiety/subscription/571337453/day/5/segment/0

·       https://www.shutterfly.com/ideas/gratitude-quotes/

  

Terri's Tuesday Tip of the Week - November 3rd

 

There are 365 days and 52 weekends in a year. Even if you are short on time off, you can still take weekend getaways. Does that count as a vacation? Of course it does. – Anita Kaltenbaugh

 

A picture is a poem without words. - Horace

 

As discussed last week, the author like many Millennials has determined that she would rather spend her time and money on experiences instead of material items.  During these unique times, it is important to still engage in adventures and think outside the box for these experiences.  They do not have to be expensive or take a lot of time.  Millennials, like the author, want these adventures to grow them and create memories that will last a lifetime.

You don't take a photograph, you make it. - Ansel Adams

 

The author loves the beach and that will always be her favorite.  However, her adventures in state parks, museums, etc. have developed her character and created memories.  These memories have provided many conversational opportunities and challenged her thinking.  

Here are some inexpensive ideas for the reader to contemplate engaging in during the fall and winter seasons:

·       Go hiking in a state or national park

·       Take a walk near a lake or the ocean and embrace the calming water movements

·       Read outside with the beautiful fall leaves on the trees  

·       Shop at a local farmer’s market

·       Visit a museum or historical site

·       Play a round of golf…18 holes or miniature

·       Travel to a nearby town and experience its culture

A couple years ago, the author was trying to find adventures in the Virginia/D.C. area.  While researching online, she found a website that has weekend activities including museum openings or special exhibits, monuments and special events for the weekend.  Each Friday, the author reviews the website to determine if there are any adventures, she wants to take that weekend.

 

ACTION:  Take 15 minutes to research and write a list of ideas that are inexpensive that will allow you to create new memories. 

 

 

Resource

http://eventbrite-s3.s3.amazonaws.com/marketing/Millennials_Research/Gen_PR_Final.pdf

https://www.cnbc.com/2016/05/05/millennials-are-prioritizing-experiences-over-stuff.html

https://www.success.com/12-weekend-habits-of-successful-people/

https://everydaypower.com/weekend-quotes/