28andChange

What do you want to be about? At the most fundamental level which traits do you want to most explicitly mark your life and living?

For me, it’s generosity and gratitude.

Generosity simply means sharing all of your resources liberally. Whether its your talents, your time, or your money, generosity shares it.

Gratitude is expressing, in various forms, a really full thanks for all that you have.

I see these practices as two sides of the same coin. The two amplify one another in such a way that it’s hard to tell where one stops and the other begins.

• When we are generous with others, we are forced to take account of all that we have and that drives us to gratitude.
• Expressing gratitude reminds us of all that we have and pushes us to be generous with what we have.

Here’s what it looks like in practice…

Practicing Generosity

1. Be generous with yourself.

You can’t give what you don’t have. Therefore, if you find yourself continually depleted of energy, out of time, without creativity, and short on cash, it’s time to be generous with yourself.

Carve out time for things that bring joy and meaning to your life- whether it be hanging out with friends or doing a solo activity you enjoy. You may also need to carve out time to do some personal development tasks, like financial planning.

Whatever your situation, it’s important to make this time non-negotiable.

2. Be generous with your talents.

You are good at something. Share that something with others. This blog is a good example. I’m a fairly skilled writer, and so I’m using that talent to share my passion for life-hacking with you (all 20 of you at this point).

But I’m not good at anything.

If this is what you are thinking, do me a favor: quit your blood clot crying, find your something, and share it with others. It’s much more fun and rewarding than feeling sorry for yourself.

3. Be generous with your time.

Spend some time each week focusing on others. Help a friend with a project or take someone out to dinner to ask about their life.

Being self-absorbed is suffocating. Focusing on others gives us a breather from our own lives, our own thoughts, and our own worries. It’s also a great way to build genuine friendships.

4. Be generous with your finances.

I have found little to be more rewarding than earmarking a portion of my funds to be given to people and causes that I care about. Trust me on this one, start small, and give it a shot.

I have found it helpful to automate my giving (and my saving) to ensure that my intentions translate into action.

Practicing Gratitude

1. Make your first thought of the day a grateful one.

I’ve tried this (with varying degrees consistency) for the last year and found that if my first thought of the day is one of thanks, my day inevitably goes better (or at least starts off better).

No matter how bad yesterday was, there’s always something to be grateful for today. It doesn’t matter whether it’s gratitude for something big or small. Just express it.

Put up a physical prompt, like a post-it note, on your night stand to remind you to make your first (or second) thought a grateful one.

Some grateful thoughts:

• I’m grateful for Buffalo Blue Doritios
• I’m grateful for Fantasy Football
• I’m grateful to have hands
• I’m grateful for [insert friend's name here]

2. When you are discouraged, list out 10 things that you are grateful for.

Yes, write them down. This exercise won’t solve all of your problems, but it’s hard to do it without seeing your mood brighten- even if just a little.

I like the number 10 because it can be done fairly quickly, but it takes long enough to where you have to get wrapped up in the process of finding good things in your life.

3. Take time before a meal to verbalize something you are grateful for.

Many faith traditions and cultures have regular practices tied to meals, especially dinner. Next time you have a group dinner consider starting the meal by having everyone name something for which s/he is grateful.

I realize that this practice is potentially hokey or awkward in many settings. In some settings though, it can be a meaningful experience. Feel free to pick your spots.

4. Send a note of thanks.

This is an invaluable skill in life and in business. You want to make someone’s day? Send them an unprompted and unexpected thank you email. If you want to really make someone’s day, send them a hand-written thank you note.

What are some ways that you all practice generosity and gratitude? Leave a comment.

posted: 09 December 10
under: Life