Honey, You Need New Glasses! Gratitude Looks Good On You

There was little for me to do, but paint my toe nails green. I signed the petition to help the people of Iran and then I dashed off to get a mani-pedi. Still thinking about Iran, I chose green for my pedicure. Perhaps, it was a silly little gesture. My toes were now the color of mold. As I looked at my fashion faux pas and felt a warm glow fill my body which seemed to affect my eyesight. I was grateful...for all the small details in my life.

Everywhere I looked I saw something to appreciate.

It was after 8:00 PM and the summer sky was still a powdery blue. The last few purple Jacaranda blossoms clung to the trees. Even the parking lot outside "Perfect Nails" had a luscious glow. It was as though I had a new pair of glasses.

Actually, there's an eyewear prescription we all need. Though these glasses aren't found in an optometrist's office. Nope. I haven't found a single doc dispensing them. What makes it so crazy is that the world would be a better place if we all wore them. I'm talking about Gratitude Glasses.

Clearer Vision
Negative focus clouds your sight. Gratitude lets you perceive past what's obvious and find the good. It makes situations pop into a new clarity. My friend, Scott Webb, is a person who is legally blind. He is one of the most effusively grateful people I know. Strange as it may seem Scott's gratitude and inner vision helped him to tune in to his brilliant inner vision and create brilliant television programming. Even though he was blind, he was the creative director that helped a twelve person start up grow into the industry leader, Nickelodeon. He taught me the power of gratitude when he said, "If someone offered to give me back my sight, I would turn it down. I've gained so much. I'm such a bigger person for having found the good in being blind. I found a magnificence I couldn't have seen with my eyes."

What gift might be waiting for you if you put on the glasses of gratitude?

In her post last week, Kari Henley brought the brilliant point of WIIFY (What's In It For You) regarding service. Here are some reasons for you to consider looking at your life through the lens of thankfulness.

They Got Out the Magnifying Glass
Leave it to some savvy researchers to put gratitude under the microscope. New studies are confirming that all the stuff you thought would make you happy--the turbo-charged new car, the two-week jaunt to Bora Bora, the closet full of new shoes--doesn't. An attitude of gratitude turns out to be a bigger predictor of who is feeling glad to be alive than a big ol' whopping bank account. Yep, just wearing Gratitude Glasses made the difference.

Happiness cuts across economic lines. Contentment can't tell the difference between a Camry and a Cadillac. Another study found that folks who were appreciative for what they had (whether they had a lot or a little) were as happy as the people who had the most. Wait. It gets even better. The people who were grateful for what they had, even if it wasn't much, were twice as happy as those who actually had the most stuff. Ha! What better proof? Get yourself a prescription for a pair of thankfulness lenses and watch your life transform.

In the Research Project on Gratitude and Thanksgiving, two researchers put the theory of gratitude to another kind of exam. They asked several hundred people to keep daily journals. The first group jotted down all of the day's occurrences, whether they were good or bad. The second group recorded only the day's lousy experiences. The third group compiled a daily list of only those things for which they were grateful. Hmmmm . Can you guess the result?

You Knew It.
The grateful group had measurably higher levels of energy, alertness, and determination as well as lower levels of stress and depression. And there's more. They were more likely to feel loved, and they were more likely to engage in acts of kindness towards others. People having more energy, feeling more loved, and being nicer to each other--yes indeed, our nation would be a better place if everybody wore Gratitude Glasses. And it only takes a second to put them on.

What are you grateful for? How are you expressing your gratitude? I would love to know.

You can receive notice of my blogs every Friday by checking Become a Fan at the top. Ask Eli a question at [e-mail] or go to www.elidavidson.com today.

Eli Davidson is a nationally recognized executive coach and motivational speaker. Her book, "Funky to Fabulous: Surefire Success Stories for the Savvy, Sassy and Swamped", (Oak Grove Publishing) has won three national book awards. Eli is a reinvention catalyst, who can transform your professional and personal life from Funky to Fabulous with her ten, trademarked Turnaround Techniques that create rapid and remarkable results. Check out her blog at http://funkytofabulous.blogspot.com/

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Comments

[tapeatsbill]

Woman, you ROCK!

Life can be like riding a horse, at times hard, exhilarating and freeing. Sometimes you get thrown and fall hard. Gratitude helps you get back on the horse.

A divorce did that to me several years ago. I fell hard. In rebuilding and transforming myself I started the practice of purposefuly gratitude one day at a stop light. Inspired by an a friend, Ted Mcgrath, I decided at the red light to create some gratitude. Was feeling pretty down actually. The only other thing I was feeling was the steering wheel of my wonderful little car.

I felt grateful for my car and the feeling of that wheel. Funny the little things that can trigger a big life changer like gratitude.

The feeling IS the prayer and I'm feeling grateful for your post.

Peace on ya!

Am your newest fan.

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

Dearest Judith,
I can't wait to see a snap shot of those green tootsies!

You are a constant inspiration all of us,
Eli

[Arriane Alexander]

Eli! Thank You! I remember one day not too long ago when I was in the middle of deep depression and was determined to find something good about my life. So as I was brushing my hair I simply said "I am grateful for my hairbrush." "I am grateful for this floor." And I felt my inner child being so angry, kicking and screaming, not wanting to be thankful about anything. I just continued, laughing at how angry I was, so in my 5-year old pouty voice I just kept saying "I am thankful I have a shirt. I have gratitude for my sink." This angry, resistant part of me could not help but laugh at how petty and child-ish I was being, and in that moment I was thankful to be laughing instead of crying.

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

Dearest Arrianne,
What wonderful sassy wisdom! Thank you so much for sharing your inner child

"I just continued, laughing at how angry I was, so in my 5-year old pouty voice I just kept saying "I am thankful I have a shirt. I have gratitude for my sink." This angry, resistant part of me could not help but laugh at how petty and child-ish I was being, and in that moment I was thankful to be laughing instead of crying." I bet everyone on Earth could benefit from doing what you described here.

Thanks again for sharing YOU

[Dr. Patricia Fitzgerald - Huffpost Blogger]

Eli,

Great post!

I find that the practice of gratitude is one of life's greatest treasures. I find that as I think of all I am grateful for, I keep thinking of more and more. An attitude of gratitude is a wonderful place to be. Right now I am feeling grateful for this article!

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

Hola!
What a delicious treat to meet you here! I am ever so grateful to have the blessing of being of service.

Boy, Gratitude is such a powerful magnet for so much good and great.

I look forward to connection more...and more often!

Love,
Eli

[mzrecycle]

Many years ago I read a book (sorry, forgot the name) which advocated just this premise. It was suggested to keep a Gratitude Journal of at least 5 things one is grateful for and do it every day. I decided to try it. WOW! It was such an eye opener! I soon discovered, just as you mentioned, that it's not the big car or house, the huge promotion, etc. that we end up feeling most grateful for. It's likely the kind person that motioned us into the line of traffic that we needed into. Or some other simple lovely thing in the day, like rain when we really needed it.

By having to come up with 5 things EVERYDAY, something else totally wonderful happened: on those days really tough days I would notice every little thing I could use to make my quota for the day. In no time I found I was LIVING IN THE MOMENT. Now that's really worth the practice of gratitude. I'm not sure if it would have occurred if I hadn't needed to reach my quota on those hard days.

I recommend couples make a practice of writing down one thing each day each is grateful the other has done or just is. It's always easiest to notice those things we aren't so happy about . When the focus is again on finding a good thing to be grateful for, it can truly change a relationship. Writing them down in a single journal is good,

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

What a beautiful practice you are giving. (I admit that I wrote my 5 gratitude items in my journal last night.)

I give this assignment to my clients as well. Gratitude is such a powerful elixer!

Thanks again,
Eli

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Dearest Eli,

What a gift your post is - thank you sooooooo much. And as for the moldy toes - definitely a new fashion statement if ever there was one.

Each evening I write up a minimum of 5 graritudes and during the day I things come out of the blue for what I appreciate. I am grateful for the energy of compassion that I am experiencing more here at Living. And the wonderful fellow bloggers here already mentioned. This is such a cozy corner to come to for rest and respite.

Gratitude Glasses - fabulous idea. What if, literally we could put them on as a tangible reminder. Even with all of the troubles besetting the world, there is still so very much to be grateful for. Gratitude offers us such a fabulous focus.

With best love and gratitude to - and for you,
Anne

[Kari Henley - Huffpost Blogger]

ELI!
Well,I am just so Grateful and honored to be reading along your wonderful column, smiling at your green toes, and then run across my name! What a surprise!

It is thrilling to share in such a lively, smart, and loving community, and to sync with others we have never met in person!

Lovely idea of putting on Gratitude glasses. I am currently taking care of my mother who is recovering from a foot surgery. We have a very strained relationship and it is taking all of my efforts to not jump out of my skin! Maybe taping a pair of gratitude glasses on the bride of my nose will shift things around- I am going to try it now and get back to ya!
Thanks again!!
kari

[tuscanman]

Dear Eli,

This is such a poignant and meaningful message. I have learned from you to keep a pair of gratitude glasses nearby the reading glasses and put them on every time I'm feeling sorry for myself. You have one of the most positive attitudes I know, and I'm grateful that some of that has rubbed off on me. I hope in the future to view every thing: my family, my friends, my spiritual self, my life in general, in a way that reflects the true gratitude I have for everything that God has given me.

I hope I can give that gift to others as you gave it to me and continue to give it to all of those around you.

With much affection and gratitude

Ron

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear, Dear, Dear Tuscan,
You are a person that I am so deeply grateful for. Today, I was feeling very low (I think you know why) and I remembered to read this column. It helped me lift my spirits.

You already give so many gifts of such deep loving and caring to so many.

You are a hero. And always will be.

With profound gratitude and affection,
Eli

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

There is only on ELI - you light up the HuffPo.. and you light us our Life-

..I have so much gratitude for all of life: the trees. the earth, the sun and the stars, the breeze that touches my face and the people in my life...

and for the wonderful people in my life ...and the new kindred spirits here at the HP

Arianna, Russell, Jason, Anne, Kari, Cara, Gangaji, Bob Thurman, Judith, Tara, Patricia, Susan, Sara and anyone I may have left out you know who you are.

I feel so fortunate to be part of the joy that we all share... and for the viewers who make blogging fun and who teach me so much.

Big Love,

Ed

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

Oh Ed,
What can a girl say???

I consider myself so deeply blessed to be in this delicious happiness pie with you and Arianna, Russell, Jason, Anne, Kari, Cara, Gangaji, Bob Thurman, Judith, Tara, Patricia, Susan, Sara and all the other amazing members of our community.

My heart always smiles when I see a letter on a page that you have penned.

Yum!
Eli

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Eli Your comment to me makes me think of the following

Oh Ed,
What can a girl say???

Hedy Lamarr a friend of mine and movie Legend (goddess) said to me:

"All a beautiful woman needs to do is stand in the corner and say nothing!"

[BitterSpiritualist]

Another Friday, another treat. My Gratitude Glasses help me see how much I appreciate you and your words.

Amazing how the smallest change in perspective gives me the biggest gifts. In the past my glasses were clouded with judgment and woe, now the light refracts brilliantly and I see the beauty in each moment. My magical friend Honeybee taught me the power in taking a Gratitude Walk when I was feeling a down. My neighborhood and the Universe around me radiates love and support, the flowers sing to me as I float down the street. Gratitude bubbles over spreading to those around me.

Thanks you Eli, I was so very grateful for today before I read your post, now I am bursting with gratitude goodness. A grand way to start my weekend.

Brendan
http://bitterspiritualist.blogspot.com/

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

Bitter you are a BRILLIANT writer!
"Amazing how the smallest change in perspective gives me the biggest gifts. In the past my glasses were clouded with judgment and woe, now the light refracts brilliantly and I see the beauty in each moment. My magical friend Honeybee taught me the power in taking a Gratitude Walk when I was feeling a down. My neighborhood and the Universe around me radiates love and supportthe flowers sing to me as I float down the street. Gratitude bubbles over spreading to those around me."

Jeez. I am so grateful to read YOUR wonderful writing every week! http://bitterspiritualist.blogspot.com/ is FAB!!!

[llisa]

I am grateful for my new grand baby. Bought her a winter coat at a greatly reduced price today. The price was such a bargain that I bought the rest of them (18 toddler-sized coats) to give to needy kids this winter. It just seemed like a good idea.

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

LLisa,
THANK YOU!!!

I hope everyone takes note of your simple and very lovely act of service. How beautiful that you shared your good fortune (a sale on winter coats) with others.

Our world is better because of you,
Eli

[Davia King]

Eli,
What you write about is so true. Really our lives are so blessed. No matter what we are going through or how hard we think it is there are always thousands of things we can be grateful for. It is all a matter of perspective and choice. Do we want to choose to focus on the bad and be unhappy...or to focus on the good and feel full of gratitude and joy. Really it is a simple choice but we forget to do it all the time. Thanks for the reminder!

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

Dearest Davia,
Thank you! It is so true- each and every day there are thousands of things for which we can be grateful- if we simple focus upon them.

Choose
Joy.

Amen.
Eli

[Jason Mannino - Huffpost Blogger]

Brilliant, Thank you for this! I write my daily gratitude lest every night before bed and always look for the giftr in every lesson!

I'm working with a new cutting edge self-publishing company called "Thank God I" they create books full of everyday people stories of how they overcame seeming adversity when they were able to say "thank you" because they got the gifts and the growth.

Love and light!
Jason

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

HI Jason,
Isn't Gratitude a magic potion! It is so obvious that you are finding the gifts everywhere you turn.

You my friend are an incredible gift in my life.

Thank you!
Eli

[Dr. Cara Barker - Huffpost Blogger]

Thank you so much for your message, Eli, including the 'green.' I'm on my way this afternoon to handle that one, and will be thinking of you with gratitude. In these days with so much disturbance, it is vital that we live out gratitude.

For openers, I am so grateful for you.
Cara

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Cara,
My heart has been heavy with prayers for the brave people of Iran, and it makes me so grateful for all the freedoms we have.I am such a fan of your amazing work. (It seems that we have a mutual friend in the wonderful Terry Tillman. It was wonderful to see what you are up to!)

I deeply honored and delighted to be in the gratitude dance with you.

PS Are you joining the Green Nail Club?
Love,
Eli

[littlepuffycloud]

Seattle's local evening magazine show's host was on the streets of Seattle asking people to join him in doing a 'Gratitude Dance' and it was great. As he said, nobody can do it and not feel better. Every person who did the dance really did break out in smiles and laughter. We should all do the Gratitude dance or wear Gratitude glasses more. It really does make you feel happier.

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Puffy,
I love, love, love your name and the whole idea of GRATITUDE DANCE.

You are so right! " We should all do the Gratitude dance or wear Gratitude glasses more. It really does make you feel happier.We should all do the Gratitude dance or wear Gratitude glasses more. It really does make you feel happier."

Much Love,
Eli