My transformation into the LinkedIn Gratitude Ambassador

The experience that transformed me into the Gratitude Ambassador on LinkedIn, Find Out***

What exactly happened? How did it change my life?

What can you learn from my experience to 10x your own life transformation?

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?What exactly happened?

As a Ghanaian-born individual currently living in the United States as a college professor, my educational and career journeys have been nothing but magical

The first born of my parents of modest means, and the first one in my immediate family to earn a university degree, let alone up to the PhD level

The first to obtain a fully-funded scholarship for a Master’s degree in the United Kingdom; the first to have a full tuition waiver and graduate assistantship for a PhD program in the U.S.

Career wise, the first or among the first in many situations including---

The first pharmacist appointee of the World Health Organization (WHO) Ghana to support the development of the pharmaceutical sector in the country

The first pharmacist Presidential appointee to the Ghana Health Service Council (GHSC) which oversees healthcare operations in the public health sector in the country

The first pharmacist to chair the Appointments and Promotions Committee of the GHSC; the list goes on---

In the U.S., the first Black person to be elected unopposed to chair the Global Education Special Interest Group (SIG) of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) of 130+ members.

The first Black person to receive the SIG’s Outstanding Service Award in 2024, among many such global accolades including nearly 40 global travels, many for conference presentations

On the backdrop of these, I’ve had the privilege of using my influence, resources, and my teaching and mentoring skills to impact the educational and career trajectories of many young people in Africa and here in the United States

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As if these were not enough, family and friends had always asked me for my “Secrets for staying forever young.” And I had always answered that I had none.

That was the whole truth until after a moment of deep reflection on my extraordinary life trajectory, I had a strong urge to write a gratitude book to publicly thank God and all the people He had used to make these possible.

That’s when the search for material on gratitude to write the book started and I was amazed at what I discovered****

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Did you know that several scientific studies across the world had proved beyond any doubt the connection between gratitude and many of the human pursuits that often elude us, including happiness, contentment, positive outlook on life, higher productivity, well-being especially mental well-being, and longevity?

Are you aware that desirable human virtues including humility, empathy, compassion, great interpersonal relationships, and generosity have all been traced to the parent virtue of gratitude?

At the organizational or community level, did you know that a culture of gratitude and appreciation generates trust and a greater bonding, stimulating innovation, and hence greater individual and organizational productivity and well-being? ??

Although I’m naturally a very grateful person, not for once forgetting where the grace of God has taken me from, and therefore have used every opportunity to pay it forward by generously giving of my time, talent, and resources for the benefit of others, ?

I never had any notion of the connection between gratitude living and its transformative power and wide-ranging benefits until year 2018.

Upon uncovering these studies and their findings related to gratitude, suddenly, it was as if a light bulb has gone up within me---"I've been a living proof of these transformative benefits of gratitude all along without being consciously aware of it."

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Since November 2018 when “The Power of Thanksgiving” was published, and which has since won several U.S. and global excellence awards, and has now been updated and re-launched as "Are You Grateful?" I have become more intentional in living a life of gratitude and my generosity to family, friends, and communities, including my church community, has gone through the roof!

How has the intentional Gratitude Living changed my life?

I have experienced a whole personal transformation from inside out, including a physical make-over that people describe as making me look like I’m “growing backward”

?I believe it’s the result of an inner peace, joy, and contentment that are changing even my physical appearance by the grace of God.

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So what can you learn from my gratitude transformation to 10x your own life for the better?

I break it down in my signature ARGG Framework

The 4-Step Process of Gratitude Transformation to maximize the benefits of gratitude living

Step 1: The Acknowledgement Stage

We can’t move forward until we reflect on our humanity. This era of AI and machine learning requires us to recapture love, compassion, and empathy. Our self-centeredness, entitlement, and quest for personal comfort often blind us to the needs of others.

Gratitude begins with a renewed heart and mind. Let’s recalibrate by acknowledging that life itself is a gift.

It’s only from a place of healing can gratitude become the greatest virtue and the parent of all the others as said by the Roman philosopher and orator Marcus Cicero.

Step 2: The Reconciliation and Reconnection Stage

Now is the time to reconcile and reconnect. Reach out to estranged family members, friends, or colleagues. Forgive and let go of offenses that weigh down your spirit. A simple phone call or heartfelt message can pave the way for healing and harmony.

Be the stronger person who takes the first step. You may find the other party has been longing for this also but not strong enough to take the initiative.

Step 3: The Giving Stage

Gratitude calls us to action. Use this New Year season to bless others through meaningful giving.

• ?Consider gifting copies of my book, Are You Grateful? to friends, family, or co-workers. Every purchase supports health and education initiatives in rural Ghana.

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• Donate to charities or non-profits that make a difference in your local community or ??????? globally.
• ?Remember, giving isn’t always monetary; doing your best in your daily responsibilities is also a profound way of giving.

Step 4: The Gratitude Living Stage

Gratitude isn’t seasonal; it’s a lifestyle. As you embrace the first three steps, you’ll find that living with gratitude becomes second nature. It will influence how you see the world, interact with others, and approach challenges.

?PS: Which of these steps do you think you would need to focus on most for your personal gratitude transformation journey?

Let’s discuss in the comments

?Stay tuned for more insights by subscribing to my gratitude newsletter

https://bit.ly/JoyceAppreciationCorner

?Let’s stay connected for ongoing tips and inspiration for gratitude living

?I’m Joyce Addo-Atuah, PhD , the Gratitude Ambassador promoting the Culture of Gratitude to enhance organizational and professional productivity and well-being.

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?Signing off for now with gratitude and deep appreciation,

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Yours truly,

?Joyce

The Gratitude Ambassador

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