Smile & Move™

So many of us are lucky in some way. Some, even more so.

Occasionally, we'll have moments that remind us of our luck.

The positive moments...

• Our work is recognized as meaningful by a colleague, manager, or customer.
• A good friend or family member calls and brightens our day, reminding us of the wonderful people in our lives.
• We're finally able to buy that special thing we've always wanted.

The challenging moments...

• We'll see someone who appears less fortunate, or hear of a friend losing a job.
• We'll see someone working in a job that seems physically difficult, or learn of a friend or colleague's new illness.

We're reminded, but... a little time goes by. A few distractions play out. A couple of things get in the way of the easy, and we find ourselves back to less than thankful (perhaps even complaining... again).

We need to more consistently approach our days and work with gratitude and remember that we're not entitled to either – that they are gifts.

And the most powerful way to express our gratitude is by serving others as well as we possibly can, to put their needs before our own (in whatever role we're in).

To be unable to work, to serve, and to have meaning to others... that is truly unfortunate, unlucky.

We should be more thankful for the opportunities we're given.

Ever caught yourself beginning a sentence with "Knowing my luck..." and concluding with something negative?

For many of us (even you), perhaps it should be "Knowing my luck, I'll win the lottery."

Thomas Paine (1737-1809)
Political theorist and writer

Research shows that, people who are encouraged to express gratitude report feeling happier, more excited and joyful, and even have fewer headaches and colds.

—"Counting blessings vs. burdens: Experimental studies of gratitude and subjective wellbeing in daily life," by R.A. Emmons and M.E. McCullough (2003).