A small gratefulness reminder
One of my favorite song lines is from Sheryl Crow’s “Soak Up The Sun”:
It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you’ve got
And it’s true. Gratefulness for the things (and people and experiences) we have can actually stave off the “I’ll be happy when I have…” syndrome. That will save us money and help us enjoy ourselves more.
Here’s a quick way to remember to be grateful… In Hanriette Anne Klauser’s excellent book, “Write It Down, Make It Happen“, she writes about a very simple reminder:
For many years now I have written the word “Thanks!” on the memo line in the bottom left corner whenever I write out a check. Although I have been doing it for years, I don’t do it automatically, but deliberately. It is a way to say thanks for the money that will come back to me, thanks that I have the money to spend, and, most especially, thanks to the person or company to whom I am writing out the check.
Writing “Thanks!” on the memo line is a reminder of all the people who make my life easier.
It is a way of taking a moment to think about the service the check is for and the people behind the purchase. It makes me stop and think, Thank you for providing my groceries, for keeping my house warm, for picking up my garbage, and giving me a recycling can. Thank you for equipping the phone lines so I can run my business and stay in touch with people I love.
When I write “Thanks!” on the memo line, I can sit down to pay my bills with a grateful heart.
I had never considered anything like this before reading that passage. Most of the time, I grumble about bills, just like everyone else. I didn’t occur to me to be grateful that I have the opportunity to have the service or product, and therefore the bill, let alone be grateful that I once again have the means to pay it.
I don’t write very many checks, though, so I’m trying to think of ways to integrate “grateful moments” like this into my life. Your thoughts are welcome!
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This is the hosting schedule for the Carnival of Personal Finance. DateHostLink to Carnival Monday, June 20, 2005Consumerism CommentaryCarnival #1 Monday, June 27, 2005Blueprint for Financial ProsperityCarnival #2 Tueday, July 5, 2005AllThingsFinancial…
I love that line from Soak Up The Sun! Each time I hear that line it makes me think a little bit harder about the things my life that I’m truly grateful for…my family.
Wow, that’s really insightful and thought-provoking. I need to start doing that, too.
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good thoughts. i too love that line.
i too write very, very few checks so cannot integrate that. but one thing i am contemplating after reading this is to write one thank you note when i pay my bills. there are people that are really nice to me and i never say thank you. i should be able to do one per month!