Friday, 7 December 2012

‘Everyday’ Intelligence: Being Grateful

Do not take anything for granted.


It truly is as simple as that; but before you call me a tree- hugger and hit the ‘X’ on your browser, I would like to assure you that today’s entry has nothing to do with being environmentally aware (which, of course, you should be…) promoting world peace (and, yes, I have applied for ‘Miss World’ and have failed miserably).

It’s all about the importance of being grateful for what others have done for you- a topic which is often dismissed as clichéd and somewhat childishly profane.

The reason behind its demise, of course, is the very fact that we are constantly reminded that we live in a ‘cynical ruthless capitalistic world’ in which people only help others if they themselves benefit from that.

Alas, we are designed to only remember the negative things occurring around us.

Take yesterday, for instance:

The weather in Southampton was sunny and lovely all morning and afternoon. At about six p.m., it started raining and it gradually became windy and chilly overnight.

On my way to work today, about ten people stressed on how ghastly the weather had been yesterday.

No- one even remembered about the Sun; no- one ever does.

Unless, of course, they are reminded.

Therefore, I am now reminding you that, regardless of all the ‘horrible’ occurrences in your life, you must always make time to be grateful, because:


  • No- one is obliged to help you

When a person helps you out, it’s either because:

à He cares for you

à He wants to develop or bolster a business/ personal connection

à He, too, wants your help

Learn to distinguish between those and make the best out of it.


  • By helping you, a person puts in a fair amount of effort and time in what he is doing

Let us be blunt for a second: my charge- out rate is £ 120 p/h; ergo, when I help someone out and do not charge him, the least I expect is a ‘Thank you.’ Time is money and we live in a time of economic crisis; put two and two together.


  • If you are ungrateful, then no- one will help you again

Even if you are helping out someone that you care for, everything’s got its limits. It is very painful to see that your efforts and hard- work are not appreciated and everyone’s got a pain threshold.

In case you’re wondering, yes, there is a last straw.



To conclude, then, it is of prime importance to show people that you appreciate what they have done for you so that you can maintain a healthy and lasting relationship with them.

Although it is often unbearably arduous, you must sometimes fight your nature and remember the Sun whilst dancing in the rain.

Write that down.

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