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| “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy |
Denial is entirely different. When one is in it, he becomes defensive, perhaps agitated, or argumentative---justifying his perspective. Such responses indicate that the demon of denial has appeared.
Besides, when there's a difference of opinion, I don't argue; I share my position, leaving it at that. It's not my role to convince. I find heated discussions unproductive; they're only good for escalating tension, creating ill-will. Who wants that?
It was interesting noting this man's overt denial as we spoke about this very subject. It's not my job to change anyone. There is only one God. I am not Him.
I let this mentee know I will not avoid reminding him of this demon of denial that lives within him.
This person's reaction allowed me to know I have better uses of my time than pursuing the subject of denial regarding his relationship with a predatory woman.Faithful are the wounds of a friend but the kisses of the enemy are deceitful. The full soul loathes the honeycomb, but to the hungry soul [the one that doesn't have discernment or recovery] every bitter thing is sweet. Proverbs 27:6-7
Gratitudes:
This same person wanted to analyze areas needing growth. I stopped that. We need a different consciousness than the one that created them. Analysis doesn't change anything. Action does. Taking steps, albeit tiny ones, leads to substantial growth. Flowers, oak trees, human physical growth are all incremental; but they provide big results over time.
2. I'm grateful for the progress that occurs when staying in the solution, looking at healthy alternatives when faced with problems. For more about this with specific ideas about doing so, please click here.
Encountering a Hollywood Celebrity
While mentoring this person at a quaint but unfriendly cafe in Corte Madera, there was a smallish guy at the counter, wearing white shorts and a grayish blue t-shirt, his back to us. The person I was with and I were tucked into the bay window that fronted the sidewalk.
The guy at the counter rose, paid his tab, facing me as he walked towards the door. His unshaven face gave a sheepish smile as his blue eyes met my darker ones. He brushed by our table on the way out. It was Robin Williams the actor, comedian. He was shy.
He pulled his over-sized black sunglasses over his face before walking out the door. He got in his black Audi, transporting himself to whatever the day held for him.
3. I'm thankful for life's surprises, excellent weather, the cool bay breezes, clarity of thought when conversing with others and the silent, abundant joy we know when we know our boundaries and adhere to them. This peaceful, abundant joy has another name: serenity.
4. I love my profession.
5. Life is good, the result of having a vision and working towards my goals. As the Greeks said,
6. I'm regularly getting rest. How could I not have an Attitude of Gratitude?If you aim at nothing, that is exactly what you'll get.
You know the routine. I ask if you can share at least three gratitudes when you drop by. You've heard mine. It would be terrific hearing yours.
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