At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each one of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
- Albert Schweitzer
At the end of the day, the greatest moments in our lives are not things, but the people we've encountered. People who have made a difference in our lives in big and small ways. Each of us has received some sort of help, support or guidance from another person at some point in our life. Maybe encouragement from a parent. A life lesson from a grandparent. How to stand strong from a coach. It could have even been a comment from a complete stranger while you were traveling on an airplane or waiting in line at the grocery store. We never know when someone can come into our lives just when we need them the most. Whatever it may be, people have influenced your life, and you may not have realized it at the time, but some people impacted your life so much that when you look back, you realize that one particular person influenced and changed your life for the better.
Today, your challenge is to take time to sit down and reflect on all the people who have influenced your life. Make time to sit somewhere quiet and think about 3 people who have most impacted your life for the better. When you've decided on your 3 people, take one person at a time and talk out loud to them like they're sitting right there with you. Tell them how they impacted your life for the better, tell them why you're grateful for them. Don't worry about saying too much for each person, it can't hurt. In fact, the more you say about your gratitude for them, the better and more deeply you will feel your gratitude.
If you don't feel comfortable talking out loud, write down what you'd say to each person.
Here's an example of what you might say to someone:
Jane, I want to thank you for the time you encouraged me to follow my heart. I was so lost and confused about what I wanted to do with my life and I just needed someone to tell me that it was OK to feel that way, and I wasn't crazy for trying to pursue a long-time dream of mine. Because you believed in my, it helped me to believe in myself and gave me the courage to take the first step in pursuing my passion. I don't think I'd be where I am today without you and I'm forever grateful for the time you spent to talk with me. Thank you, Jane!
When you're done with today's challenge you should feel happy, and that's how you know that the practice of gratitude is working. The more you practice gratitude, like we've been doing, you'll also notice amazing things start to happen to you for no reason. But the real reason is because you're living in gratitude and good things are attracted to you! That's the beauty of life and the law of attraction.
Today's checklist:
1. Think of the 3 people who impacted your life the most and have your conversation with each of them. Telling them how they've impacted your life for the better and why you're grateful.
2. Make your list of 10 things you are grateful for, and remember to say thank you 3 times after you read each item on your list.
3. Before you go to bed tonight, pick up your gratitude object and think about all the great things that happened to you today. Pick the best thing and say thank you!