Favorite Inspirational Quotes

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.

John F. Kennedy

I believe this quote is telling me that if I am really grateful, if I really appreciate something, then I will act as if I am grateful.

It’s like the kid who is given a present that he doesn’t like.   Mom or Dad tells him to say, “Thank you.”  He does so grudgingly and you know he really doesn’t mean it.  It hurts the receiver of the grudging thanks.  You know he will not take care of it or even play with the item.

It’s the same way here.

I can say thank you for the job I have.  However, if I hate the job I have, I’m just saying the words because someone told me I should be grateful for all the things in my life.

On the other hand, if I really do like or even love my work and I say I am grateful, then I will feel it and you can see I am grateful by the way I act.  I will be glad to go to work.  I will feel fulfilled in my work.  I will laugh at work and I will work with enthusiasm.

I will not just be uttering the words.  I will be living my gratitude for what I have.  If I am really grateful for whatever, I will take care of it.  I will prize it and my actions will show just how much I really appreciate it.

However, let’s not forget that one method of changing our habits and ourselves is to act our way into that change.  Maybe that can apply here as well.  If we act as if we are grateful of the thing we really aren’t then perhaps over time our attitude will change and we will become grateful.  It’s worth a try.

Tags: act