Gratitude Year 2 Day 11 January 29, 2014

[Marlene Anne Sassaman]

Back on November 18 of this past year I made a promise to send a hand written letter of gratitude to someone deserving. It could be a friend from childhood, a clerk in a retail store, or even an ex. Although I have had to sacrifice a letter each and every day, I have been consistently writing at least twice a week. 

Being chief, cook and bottle washer as a solo sailing live aboard with only 24 hours in a day to accomplish endless tasks. Completing those tasks are what motivates the appreciation I have for others. How could I even conceive of sailing alone to the Bahamas without the knowledge and skills of so many individuals? 

The daily challenge than is to prioritize how the hours will be spent. Recently my self-esteem took a dive. What makes us think badly of ourselves is the result of believing what someone else says. Its nice to believe a complement. On the other tack it is mortifying to believe a slanderous critique. Of all the self help guides, including a few sessions with sailing relationship expert Kim Morse, this simple cartoon made sense. It reminded me to focus on those for whom I feel gratitude. 

While you busy yourself for a day sail, a romantic interlude, or a circumnavigation, remember to stay busy appreciating those who care about you. I do believe that the ernie meanies in our live, you know the naysayers, and who Dr. Phil calls the 'baiters," deserve to be treated with the utmost kindness. Why? because they can't give you kindness if they don't have any to give. Regardless, take time each day to appreciate someone by using your words.

A fun thing to do which brings a lot of positive karmatic power, is to send the letter or call the boss, spouse, or friend of the one getting appreciated. For more information, or examples of spending your time appreciating send me a note.

Of all the things missing in my life, it is companionship. But that is another story..........