Every year as the Christmas season approaches, I find myself struggling to be grateful. My frustration level increases and my attitude is sometimes less than pleasant. Let me explain why I struggle to be thankful during this season.
Shopping is one of my favorite activities. I love going to different stores and browsing the displays of merchandise. I can spend hours wandering the stores
My favorite item to shop for is shoes. I absolutely adore beautiful shoes! As I slide them on my feet, my face lights up with a big smile. Shoes are the most critical accessory to every outfit.
As much as I enjoy shopping, especially for shoes, I don’t like shopping during the Christmas season. Why? Because I don’t particularly appreciate shopping with crowds of people.
During the Christmas season, people are rushing from store to store to find the perfect gift. The parking lots are full, and people try to outmaneuver each other to get a parking spot. Recently a friend of mine had a heated argument in the parking over a parking space.
Even in the middle of a pandemic, the stores are crowded. The aisles are filled with individuals pushing carts searching for the hottest items of the season. As they rush through the aisles, people are grabbing the last items off the shelf.
Last week while I strolled through the store looking for gifts, I wondered why I was there. I asked myself did it really matter what gift I purchased. Later that night, as I watched a Hallmark Christmas movie, I asked myself the same question again.
While life is not as simple as a two-hour movie, we can learn a lot from a Hallmark movie. The magic of Christmas always rings through the film. The spirit of gratitude is woven throughout each story.
Why gratitude? Because a thankful heart is medicine for the soul. Research by Dr. Robert A. Emmons has shown that gratitude positively impacts our physical health, psychological well-being, and our relationships.
Gratitude is also good for business. In his article “Why Gratitude Makes Leaders More Effective,” John Hampton reminds us gratitudes makes us better leaders. While gratitude lowers stress, it also increases our engagement, interactions, and builds resistance.
As a leader, when we are thankful and optimistic, we inspire others to model our behavior.
“It’s impossible not to stay motivated or get too down when you’re feeling grateful.”
– Gary Vaynerchuk
During this Christmas season, before you go out to find the perfect gift, take time to give thanks for the many blessings in your life.
Is gratitude your secret weapon?
#YourLeadershipGuide
Kim
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I agree with you, Kim. I watch those Hallmark movies with my wife and always come away with a feeling of hopefulness and gratitude for the things that are often taken for granted. Have a merry Christmas. -Phil
Great article, thanks for the reminder during this season!! Merry Christmas!!
Good stuff! Thanks Kim