“ Every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in like kind…….what we sow is what we reap.” Deepak Chopra, M.D.

Thanksgiving is the most appropriate time to begin the daily practice of gratitude since it is a holiday that began as a way to say thank you to an abundant universe.

One of the things I am grateful for is Michael, who has joined me in my business as a buyer specialist. Michael has a very successful career in food sales to restaurants and became licensed in real estate to be my apprentice. His reasons are twofold. One is to accumulate funds for his daughter’s upcoming college tuition and the other to investigate a new career to follow his completion of twenty years with his current company. The same high quality sales skills and positive attitude that he brings from the food business he brings into the real estate business.

Michael has lived in our small city his entire life, is newly single and the devoted father of three children. Integrity, dignity and the relationship that he has with his family and his customers are his foundation.

Michael is very proud of his accomplishments - he was the number one salesperson in his food sales company. However, since the events of September 11, his business is off, causing him to lose a little confidence.

At the same time, he has come into the real estate business with some success, as he is selling his restaurant owners investment properties, some of which are my listings.

We had a long talk yesterday and he shared that he felt he was losing his touch - would that mean that he wouldn't make it in the real estate industry?

I said,"Michael, before you come to believe that you have lost your touch, tell me where you are experiencing fun, joy, abundance and gratitude."

He replied with excitement in his voice,"I enjoy helping my restaurant customers make sound investments. I am grateful to have those contacts."

Michael just recycled his enthusiasm with that statement. The energy of his gratitude will help Michael make it in real estate just as he did in the food services business. His work will be more seamless and effortless - all because he realized that he had not lost his touch. He was simply ready for a new adventure and was willing to embrace the concept of simply being grateful for his opportunity.

He said," I feel as if I'm riding on a bus to somewhere. I feel relaxed and happy and willing to accept what's in store for me."

Two situations emerged for Michael; one was that he was willing to let go of the outcome of his choice. Second, he became aware that to follow his enthusiasm he would focus his thoughts on a daily basis on what he is grateful for in his life.

I suggested that he buy a journal and entitle it his "Gratitude Journal." Every day before his ten minutes of silence and meditation in the early morning, he will enter into his journal the events, people, places or things that he is grateful for at that moment.

Gratitide creates a positive life energy. If we stop the circulation of gratitude, we will stop its circulation back into our lives as well. In order to keep the energy coming to us, we have to keep the energy circulating. Instead of remaining in disappointment or despair, shifting to expressions of gratitude will result in having more in your life that for which you are grateful.

Be aware that we are bundles of thought in a thinking universe. And thought has the power to transform.

Published: November 21, 2001

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