An Attitude of Gratitude

Given my more recent role addition, I am realizing more and more that there are certain things that are said and done which can either help me grow or hinder me from moving forward in life. In most cases, as might be found for other new parents, as well as for those trying to build a small business to further support those we love, the attitude that is carried through the day and when interacting with others can make all the difference in the world.

Now, by attitude, I mean whether coming across to others as a "know-it-all", or coming from a place of greater authority, basically to boost my own ego. As a therapist, I can not tell you how important it is to get an occasional reality check to make sure I'm not coming from these places. Talking down to, lecturing, or treating my clients as if they are children without the ability to learn and come up with material on their own can do them a disservice, and even be grounds for someone wanting to end therapy prematurely. Along the same lines, in my relationships with those I hold closest in my heart, meaning my wife and my family, the same attitude issue can be a source of great strife, potential resentment and conflict. Even further in my bubbles of interaction, in the workplace, I am continuously learning that the attitude taken toward those I am hired to assist and the company I represent is of the utmost importance in getting my work done and doing what is expected of me on a daily basis.

So, where this leads me to is a reminder hanging in front of me every morning in the workplace - "Check Your Attitude of Gratitude". Now, whether I borrowed part of that phrase from some time in the past after watching "The Secret" or somewhere else, it applies. How I carry myself in this world will of course have ripple effects on others around me, good or not so good. It really is up to me to determine what route to go, with each action taken, each choice made, each interaction with someone, whether via phone or face to face.

This also means that when unconsciously coming from a place of being in the role of a victim, and blaming others, it means no responsibility is taken for getting myself in that predicament in the first place, and I then don't have the opportunity to learn about being wrong, or to even ask for help or admit that I might not know something. Ah the wonders of being a male...

Just remember folks, never go to see a therapist who's never been to one themselves, as we can only go as deep and as far with another person as we've been willing to go with ourselves!
Here's hoping someone, somewhere gets something beneficial, even if some form of personal validation by reading this. Take Care! - Michael