Gratitude is a decision

We've all have heard how being grateful keeps us healthy, keeps us happy. Maintaining gratitude journals is another approach and I have had friends tell me how its helped them, I resort to it when I am dealing with stress myself- the question is do we stay consistent with “being grateful” what happens when you are struck by an unfavourable event or a happening? Here’s my most recent experience that helped me understand the significance that "Gratitude is a decision”.

This was in Aug 2019, I was just done serving my notice period at an organisation where I had served for 12 years. While I made the decision to move on, it was still unsettling. I was uncertain was I going to pick a job or create one. Was I willing to explore possibilities to 'Hit Refresh’. The fog has slowly started to clear and I am in much better place. That said, this is an interesting topic by itself, but for another day.

For now, back to the central theme-“Gratitude” 

This was during the period where I just moved out of the organisation, I was trying to find my footing, understanding my new rhythm and a friend made an offer -it helps to have a friend like Sophia who enjoys social awareness. She said, 'will you be open to the idea of coming and speaking to the girls in a school. These girls come from economically low income groups- the teachers deal with the concern of orienting them about- health and hygiene? I just think an external person can help. You think you want to do this?

Thats interesting Sophia, will be happy to do that. I thought that was challenging too.

In a scenario like this, most often I visit the place, meet a few members who will be part of the audience, meet the organisers, stakeholders so I hear them out. Absorb the energy of the place I will be presenting at. The idea is to understand their cultural background, their ecosystem. Then craft my communication so I do justice to the message, I am there to deliver.

I suddenly saw my focus shift, its wasn't about my work state anymore. From a state of feeling inadequate I moved to adequacy and when I visited the school what showed up was, two solid reminder lessons were…

-If you attach your identity to your work title, which we often end up doing, you will realise you will feel naked if you don't have one. In the last one year, I worked on the question “ Who am I when you remove me from my current context?” that helped me wade through the rough waters a lot better.

-It’s not about you. Its about what you can do for others. I was listening to a spiritual discourse where the leader shared the example of ’’salt” being a key ingredient while we cook our meals, we sure need very little but imagine a meal without salt? Yes, it's important to remember ‘You matter’ 'You are significant'. 

AND

On the day of event we were clear with our messaging, we didn't stick to the conventional speech mode instead I partnered with Sophia and we resorted to role-play to convey the message on ‘Health and Hygiene” and it took care of the intent. I also, had my son amongst the audience and when we were on our way back home after the event he said “ Mamma you are a good actress” while I was super stoked to receive that compliment from my son. I felt even better that I did lead by example-its important to go beyond your circle of family to serve. 

I do want to thank my friend, who made this offer and added to my life experiences. Who has always taught me how to walk the extra mile to serve. This is a tribute for Sophia, it her's Birthday on 28th Jan and I didn't know how I was going capture this as a LinkedIn recommendation, cause it does deserve a record of mention- instead made this a pulse post. 

The story doesn’t end here. 

Given I loved being in this space and I am grateful for such opportunities. Jan 2020 another opportunity shows up. This time its for a foundation which has a large footprint in India. Grateful Again. Here, I do want to take a moment to add ‘repeated gratitude will attract things for you to be thankful about”.

I am now excited about partnering with another friend to make this an eventful experience for the kids and for my friend who needs to hear “You Matter”

Our topic for the session is - STEM-where we largely need to talk about how young women can join forces in different capacities to create impact” If you have story ideas, recommendations please do point us in the direction of reference material that you think will add value. Looking forward to the LinkedIn family to help us ideate….