Sharing Not Telling – Gratitude and Hope in Action

I started posting a weekly blog and podcast back in 2005 as I was writing my book, The Starbucks Experience. Since then, I’ve seldom missed a weekly post, which means I’ve produced roughly 780 podcasts and blogs throughout the years.

All of my posts have followed a similar approach—share two or three thought-starters in about 500 words and hope readers or listeners will grab an idea that helps them improve their business, grow their people, serve others better, or achieve a more fulfilling life.

Now more than ever, I hope my words will be worth the time you invest. As such, I ask your permission to change my approach for this week’s post only.

Rather than listing three or four possible takeaways. I want to offer a glimpse into a personal practice that helps me in these times. I truly hope that this approach will be helpful to you as well. It involves taking time every day to list and share the things for which you are grateful. Here’s an example of a recent day of writing.

I appreciate people who:

• Are so committed to helping others that they put themselves at varying levels of risk (healthcare workers, police officers, fire personnel, truck drivers, pharmacists, grocery store staff, warehouse and manufacturing team members, and the military—just to name a few).
• Focus on solutions to problems—not on blame or credit.
• Heed the guidance of the CDC, as well as, state and local officials looking out for their communities’ safety.
• Have endured great sacrifices and teach us all self-discipline, endurance, and in some cases, how to grieve.
• Comfort, foster optimism, quickly adapt, and check-in on others.

I regret taking for granted:

• Handshakes, hugs, and contact in the same room.
• Speaking before large groups.
• Lifting my grandkids.
• Walking on the beach…and so much more.

I vow to:

• Not let the fear of the future get in the way of making a difference today.
• Think about and pray for those working on the frontlines of this disease.
• Strengthen my family, my faith, my mind, and my body.
• Not hoard and instead vow to share resources and time in the service of my clients, friends, and others in need.

Finally, I am personally grateful for:

• Having a place in which to shelter at home.
• My wife, Patti, who brightens my days.
• Zoom and the internet.
• Being able to keep my entire team employed.
• Clients who allow me to continue to serve.
• Extra contact from and with family and friends.
• Sufficient food for our needs.
• Those who take their time to read, listen, or view my posts.
• Each breath I am given.

For me, tracking blessings and sharing them out loud is essential for me to not lapse into needless fear or hopelessness.

If you need help identifying your blessings or if you’re looking for someone to listen to you as you share your gratitude list, please do not hesitate to contact me, as I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you as you serve others!