Gratitude In Motion!

I refer to “paying it forward” as “gratitude in motion.” Personally, I find that the fastest way for me to feel happy is to make another person happy.

Even Deepak Chopra says, “If you want to be happy make someone else happy.”

Have you ever had this experience? That when you do something for someone else, you are filled with the feelings of abundance and joy? Those feelings were not just in your mind; the benefits of giving have actually been scientifically proven!

Being Gratitude in Motion does not require you to make a donation to charity or volunteer your time. Becoming philanthropic with your attention and kindness on a daily basis in all of your interactions will profoundly impact you and those around you. (And, by the way, it’s free!) So ask yourself how generous you are in your daily interactions. Are you mindful of the way you interact with people throughout the day? How are you the majority of the time; is generosity the rule or the exception?

I want you to do an experiment.

Think of the ways, big and small, you can pay it forward as you roll through your day today.

It doesn’t have to mean money, but rather giving joy and making a human connection. Treating all people with dignity, consideration and respect. Make eye contact and smile at the Starbucks barista and see how energy shifts. Ask a co-worker how she is and then stop talking, allowing her the chance to answer while you actively listen. Let someone go in front of you in line at the store or in traffic. Allow others to get on the subway before you.

Please share your ideas for paying it forward and share what it feels like to be consciously generous for the day, a week, or, better yet, a lifetime. How does a change in your consciousness and intention shift not only your internal experience but also your interactions with other people? It lights me up to bring joy and caring to friends and strangers alike in big and small ways, and I bet you will have the same experience.

I hope you have a loving kindness-filled Valentine’s, exercising lots of gratitude in motion! And, as always, take care of you as you take care of others.

Love Love Love

Terri

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Terri Cole, founder and CEO of Live Fearless and Free, is a licensed psychotherapist, transformation coach, and an expert at turning fear into freedom. For almost two decades, Terri has empowered companies, celebrities, professional athletes and individuals to Live Fearless and Free. Follow Terri on Twitter @terri_cole.

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Donna

It is easy – opening doors for people; looking them in the face and saying “hello or good morning”; smiling; I always try to pick up the trash blowing around and throw it away; complimenting someone on their outfit, their hair, or smile or just that they are looking particularly happy that day. It is easy to do – I wish more people would try it. Thanks for trying to spread the word so everyone can feel the happiness!
- http://twitter.com/terri_cole terri cole
  
  It is, Donna, so easy! Exactly! As I like to remind people, it takes just as long to be friendly as to be rude, and both of you wind up feeling better when you’re the former. Happy Valentine’s Day! Keep spreading the love! xo.
Kim

Have to say I have more fun with this…and it brings such joy to the day…not only to you but to all with whom you share. It was pouring down rain, and I had an umbrella. As I dashed in to Home Depot, a sweet lady was heading out to her car…with such a face…no umbrella. So I offered to walk her to the car…you should have seen her face. That smile lit up the sky. We laughed all the way to her car, and she thanked me with such precious words…”Have a blesssed day!” Gratitude in motion has such an amazing boomerang effect. Imagine my joy when I arrived at one of my favorite restaurants to see a young college student who had waited on me two months ago just beaming…she wasn’t in uniform and was beaming…remember me? We had had a wonderful discussion about the future. She was having a tough time getting her mom on board with her plans. She loved serving others and F&B, so I encouraged her to speak with the owner about getting into a management training program and persuing courses in the Hospitality field at our local university. Well…the reason she was in street clothes was because she had been promoted! She said, you put it out there for me…and I said, no honey, you did!
You never know what seeds you will plant with a kind word, an hear to listen, a sincere smile!
- http://twitter.com/terri_cole terri cole
  
  Thank you so much for sharing, Kim! So spot on! You are an incredible person – so glad to connect with you! xoxo…
Liz

That was so lovely Ms. Terri. Thank you for the gentle reminder. Each day i pray i can do that, i work at a Bank and we are all about service and smiles, i try not miss a chance to be open and sincere with every smile and contact i make; it does create magic, especially with older folks who actually are not so much in a rush, and really want to make time to appreciate the moment. Sometimes, though, i feel i should have said something more or it was not enough but i have to let it go and accept i did my best …. Also, i have noticed that a whole lot of people pick up on these lovely vibes and it goes around and it is noticeable, it makes me smile ….