October 2021 Newsletter: Thank you

Thank you to Flourish – Thrive Together for the opportunity to speak about the sponsorship of Lilianna’s Education through Ruben’s Shoes Society.

Give thanks by giving to Liliana’s education through their annual @rubensshoes fundraiser. I presented, “How to Garner Everyday Happiness with the elements of Abundance in a Box©” which I hope provides tangible strategies for cultivating happiness through gratitude.

In our discussion after the talk, an individual in the audience shared that workplace environments have started to lag behind in appreciation. There was less gratitude for hard work put in by employees than in years past.

To create a culture of gratitude in any organization, a key ingredient is acknowledgement - how do you acknowledge the contributions of others? Can you incorporate a systematized approach to acknowledgement. When there is acknowledgement in an organization, employees feel valued, there is less anxiety, and employees thrive.

Simple things like saying thank you to a co-worker or colleague can create a more positive environment. Thank you has the effect of energizing and engaging others.

Imagine a Thanksgiving meal where you felt at peace, laughed and experienced an insightful flow of ideas from conversation. Imagine the joy you felt deeply and the harmony you experienced in your heart. Wow - it felt good just to write these positive words and images. Turns out, the power of positive words and images has a neurological effect on our brains. Words shape the reality we perceive.

Positive words such as “peace” and “love” can alter and strengthen areas in our frontal lobes and promote cognitive functioning. Science demonstrates that with a little bit of communication practice we all have the power to improve our day-to-day interactions. Choosing words wisely will result in others responding more favourably during any kind of conversation, including difficult ones. Here are four key points to keep in mind before your next chit-chat.

1. Engage in optimism and positivity. Neuroscience has shown that with repeated practice you can rewire your brain and replace negative speech patterns with positive ones. We all have habitual vocabulary, but try to incorporate positive words. This will brighten your day and boost the mood of those you encounter.
   
   
2. The power of Yes. The yes mindset leads to innovation. Saying yes forces us to listen fully to an idea. It permits us to evaluate not just the downside of the idea, but also its merits. It allows us to change places with the person offering the idea and gain a different perspective. Even if you ultimately disregard the idea, you have learned something new and added another perspective to your arsenal for the future. You have become a better thinker.
   
   Did you know your brain goes into panic when it hears "no?" The age old debate over whether language shapes what we know really doesn't matter because it clearly shapes how our brains function and ultimately affects our psychological and physical well being.
   
   
3. Enhance your non-verbal communication. Gordon Wainwright in his book TEACH YOURSELF BODY LANGUAGE proves that anyone can increase their attractiveness to others if they maintain the following habits:
   a) Good eye contact
   b) Act upbeat
   c) Dress well
   d) Add a dash of color to their wardrobe
   e) Listen well.
   
   Results from his many experiments show that you will be treated with more warmth, respect and start attracting more people to you.
4. Find new conversation partners, especially with the younger children. We have spent a lot of time over the last year talking to a select number of people in our immediate circles. Find a new friend and gain a fresh perspective.
   

Thoughts of Maple Syrup Pumpkin Pie are dancing in my head as I write this newsletter - I’m definitely ready for some comfort eating.

What is your favourite Thanksgiving dessert? Share your favorite family recipes on our Facebook or Instagram page. I am looking forward to trying some of your family’s tradition fare.

Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for always reading our newsletters. We love staying in touch.

All my very best,