I'm trying to get my gratitude speech speeded up, so I can thank someone at the time they do something or say something I appreciate. My lag time used to be huge, but like American Pharoah, lately I'm coming down the stretch neck and neck or way ahead even. I'm sure my gratitude journal helps, but that still is not confronting the person directly, so that's what I'm working on. It's getting easier, because intention makes all things better.
I thanked a bunch of people yesterday right at the time, and it felt good. My parents taught me manners, but in other situations not as clear cut as a gift or food service, they weren't so natural with the gratitude. My father was much better at it than my mother. But his was lip service, and often she sewed or baked or made something or took time out for them and that effort really showed her heart. My Dad's gratitude was part of his sociability and his work ethic. It served his ambition. My mother had a generous heart, and was so used to sharing with twelve siblings that it was natural to her. I didn't inherit my dad's facility with the smooth talk, so I used to lean heavily on the showing, not saying. But now I'm realizing that if saying is so difficult, then it is an obstacle that I want to overcome. I'm integrating both halves of my parentage, a little late, but nevertheless, a good practice for me.
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