I am fortunate to be the benefactor of others’ generosity with a fair amount of frequency. Recognizing this is likely a result of years of practicing positive thinking. Yes, years and yes, practicing. Positive thinking is not necessarily something that comes naturally to me. The practice of positive thinking, captured partially in my Power of Positive Resource page, is a game changer, to be sure.
Many quotes radiate the power of positive thinking. Those included in today’s post all come from Hal Urban’s 2021 book, The Power of Good News:
Generosity can be practiced in three ways: our thoughts, our words, and our actions. Though some may argue that our actions are more powerful than our thoughts and words (“Actions speak louder than words,” right?), I believe the three act in tandem.
Generosity in Thoughts
I have written about my daily practice of taking five deep breaths each morning before I get out of bed. With each breath, I think of something that I am thankful for. In this way, I am setting the tone for the day. I am “armoring up” for whatever may come my way. Perhaps most importantly, I am positioning myself to be in a mindset to support others.
This practice, along with the practice of setting intentions, come from outside influences (sure with I could remember who, specifically, so that others could get their due recognition!). As I wrap up my five breaths/thankful thoughts, I end with an intention for the day. Often, my intention is some version of “I intend to lift others up.”
Again, my little morning ritual is a quiet practice that does not directly involve anyone else, but it sets the tone for a greater likelihood of extending generosity to others throughout the day. Simple, powerful, and worth the little bit of time that it takes. Thoughts matter.
Generosity in Words
Although words can often feel inadequate in some circumstances, I have been the benefactor, over and over again, of others’ words that were just right at the just right time. Often, words are enough.
When my mom received a cancer diagnosis nearly three years ago, followed by a year-and-a-half battle with that damn disease, my dear friend Kate sent frequent early-morning texts. Those texts, which continued through mom’s passing and – 89 days later – dad’s passing, were an absolute lifeline for me.
Kate and I still exchange early morning texts. They have become an important part of my daily routine. More importantly, and as I was able to tell Kate recently, they have been the inspiration to do the same for others. I now send texts, though not as frequent as Kate’s, to friends and family who are experiencing struggles. I have no idea if those texts hit the way Kate’s did/do for me, but I’ll keep sending them anyway. Words matter.
Generosity in Actions
A few years ago, after the funeral of a friend, I walked into the American Legion for the funeral dinner. I was by myself, and although we live in a small town where everybody knows everybody, I was by myself and didn’t have a place to sit. Before I had a chance to feel super uncomfortable, Barb stood up and waved me over to where she and her husband, Delbert, were sitting.
She proceeded to welcome me into their conversation, ask questions about me and my family, and listen attentively as I responded. Her actions made a slightly uncomfortable moment of feeling out of place dissipate quickly and morph into a moment of feeling welcomed and loved. Actions Matter.
We attended Barb’s funeral this past week. One short month after Delbert’s. How I wish I had taken the time to tell Barb how much her actions from a few years ago meant.
Thoughts matter. Words matter. Actions matter.
A plus. Today’s edublog is mighty fine.
Aunt Barbara