Can you imagine that the power of just one word can transform your thinking?
Word power is based on research regarding “priming” in which a word is introduced into a set of instructions. The one word introduced often influenced the outcome of a decision. We have seen how words affect decisions in advertising, the law, and politics.
Now just imagine how a simple word of gratitude can set the stage for a more positive day. Think of a garden. When a seed is planted — if it is watered and the earth around it is tended and cared for, the seed will blossom. If the seed is the word “thank you, it will plant a positive message within your mind.
Each person has within themselves the power to transform their day. If you start each day with an uplifting thought — and then make a gratitude list of seven “thank-yous, ” you can plant images of gratitude that will stay with you throughout the day without you even realizing it.
Researchers tells us essentially that if expect doom, you will find doom. But enough gratitude — even for a negative situation — will turn the situation into something quite wonderful. The secret is blessing instead of cursing.
I have a friend with a mischievous husband. He got into a property line dispute with a neighbor that landed them in court. His wife, who taught me that it takes 10 positive statements to cancel out just ONE negative thought, never panicked.
Here is her secret. Instead of saying to her husband, “Why do you ALWAYS have to get into arguments with neighbors?” She began writing out his positive qualities.
Now she didn’t really “see” those qualities because she was angry. But nonetheless, she spent an entire week ignoring the lawsuit and focusing on the positive qualities of her neighbors and her husband.
- Thank you for his smile.
- Thank you for his sense of humor.
- Thank you for how hard he works. (THAT was a challenge for her because she secretly resented the number of times they had to move because he was not the model employee.) But she believed that he did work hard. And she had to admit that he had been at the last job a record 7 years.
Her list went on as she listed 7 to 10 “thank yous.”
The day before they were to appear in court she went to a school board meeting and she was introduced to an attorney whom she realized represented their neighbors. Without saying a word about the lawsuit, she simply continued a conversation. They talked for half and hour before he realized that he was going to be facing her in court the next day because of her husband.
Later that evening he called his clients and suggested a meeting between the two families and the two attorneys the following morning before the case was heard.
They all met. And the lawsuit simply resolved itself — no insults, no name calling, no accusations, and no fines.
Coincidence? Perhaps. But give it a try. And you might find it helps to keep the CATS at bay. Criticism, Anger, Temper tantrums, and Sarcasm. CATS are devastating for relationships.
Try the power of a kind word and a bit of gratitude. It’s an experiement you can do quietly and tell no one. Yet, others will notice — they will see in face, and hear it in your voice. For more about the power of “thank you” A Serenity Journal: 52 Weeks of Prayer and Gratitude
Happy Thanksgiving/ R
Copyright 2008 Rita Watson