Don't Forget, Thank This Person Too!

Before I ask you to thank one more person this Thanksgiving Weekend, I would first like to thank you. Allow me to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude for your reading this blog, whether it's your first time or your weekly installment, I know Design You Coaching would not be the same without you. Equally important I must also thank the detractors, naysayers and negative Nilly's in my life. Without them, I wouldn't push myself with such fervor and determination. In this week's Sun-day design I want you to join me and thank your foes and frenemies for the fire and drive they ignite in your life. 

Think of 3 people you have difficulty with. These may be people you speak to and even consider friend but when you're around them something inside you is roused and agitated, you get a bit unwound. That list should be pretty easy to come up with. Pick one of the three names and write it on a piece of paper.

Next to that name write the biggest issue you have with that person, and describe what you're holding against him or her. This may be some moment of misunderstanding, hurt, disappointment, disrespect, or some indiscretion you hold from an a previous experience you've had with this person. Once you've written how the whole drama played out because of that person, I want you to now describe (and write down) your part in it. Include all the ways you created this very situation you loathe. 

Now, think of all the ways you've grown from the situation, learning more about who you are, the person you desire to be and the gap in between. Use your notes from this exercise to write this person a letter thanking them for being a teacher in your life. You don't have to mail the letter, that part's really up to you. The goal is that you send your appreciate for this person (or at least the situation) out in the world so that energy, courage, and grace comes back to you. Trust that the love and gratefulness you give will fill your life too. Leave a comment and share your story about your own reflective gift of gratitude. 

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