Simplicity of Gratitude

Gratitude is more than a simple expression of thanks. It is a powerful way to enhance one's perspective and well-being. Effective mentors recognize that gratitude is not only a virtue but also a tool that can help their mentees thrive in both personal and professional aspects of life. By fostering gratitude, mentors empower their mentees to see the world through a different lens, ultimately promoting positivity, resilience, and personal growth.

The impact of gratitude can be large considering the simplicity of the positivity of the action and have been shown to increase well-being and other positive outcomes in numerous experiments to date. According to Shankar and Venkat (2024), positive words have a therapeutic impact on human psychology, shaping our thoughts, emotions and behaviors. The connection plays a crucial role in shaping our cognitive processes, self-perception and interpersonal relationships. More specifically, gratitude is backed by extensive research that demonstrates its positive impact on various aspects of life. Numerous studies, such as those published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, have shown that cultivating gratitude can lead to increased happiness, improved mental health, and stronger interpersonal relationships (Emmons, Froh, & Rose, 2019). 

To further the idea to the relationship between mentor and mentee, the expression of gratitude increases the perceived communal strength of the relationship. Expressing appreciation not only strengthens existing relationships but also helps in building new ones. Grateful individuals are often perceived as more likeable and trustworthy (Lambert et.al., 2010) (Regan, Walsh, & Lyubomirsky,2023).

The simple act of gratitude encourages individuals to shift their focus from what they lack to what they have. By helping mentees recognize and appreciate the positive aspects of their lives, mentors promote a more optimistic and balanced perspective. Also, in the face of adversity and setbacks, gratitude can serve as a powerful tool for building resilience. When individuals acknowledge and appreciate the support and resources available to them, they are better equipped to cope with challenges. Moreover, people who handwrite gratitude letters to particular individuals in their lives not only communicate stronger feelings of gratitude, elevation, and other positive emotions but the recipients feel more indebted (Regan, Walsh, & Lyubomirsky,2023).

Mentors should encourage their mentees to adopt gratitude practices. These may include keeping a gratitude journal, where mentees regularly record things they are thankful for, or practicing mindfulness and reflecting on the positive aspects of their day. Most importantly, whether it be to a colleague or students, express gratitude when warranted. 

Until next time...

Wake-Up Call

Imagine a moment in your life that stopped you in your tracks, a moment that served as a jolting wake-up call, prompting you to reassess your path and inspire a profound change. These pivotal moments often come unexpectedly, catching us off guard, and altering the course of our lives. These moments usually serve to make lasting changes in our lives.  With weight loss, however, we struggle. It takes time and consistency to gain weight and it takes even more time and consistency to lose it. When we all take the opportunity to view before and after pictures of ourselves in either state, the moment catches us. Though it may not inspire a change, it does make a profound impact.  I know, because I have seen the images of myself, and choose to forget them.  I ask myself: How did I let myself get away like that?  That is the same question many people ask daily. The journey is not easy but it does lead to a healthier more vibrant life. As I can attest, excess weight can be an all-encompassing burden, affecting not only our physical health but our emotional well-being as well. It's more than just a number on the scale; it can lead to diminished self-esteem, strained relationships, and a life overshadowed by health challenges.  In my case it was high blood pressure and insulin dependent Type 2 Diabetes. I would tell myself that I was going to get fit, then something would get in the way and I would forget. It is an emotional toll and physically exhausting, reinforcing the notion that the journey to weight loss is more than skin deep.

I am currently just finishing my new book Reclaiming Health.  I wanted to give reader a story of not only how I gained but most importantly, how I lost 75 Pounds in less than a year. I will give only a sneak peek into the secret: consistency. 

Until next time...

Reclaiming Health

I am in the editing phase of my new book titled Reclaiming Health.  I find the process to be cathartic because the words on the page allow me to purge my thoughts and emotions. With weight gain and weight loss, there is no shortage of emotions.  The great part of the whole process is the emotion.  Emotion is inspiring.

However, before anyone can effectively inspire and support others on their weight loss journey, it's essential to take a moment to reflect on the transformational impact of your own experience.  For me, the journey has been a profound shift, not just in my physical well-being, but in my sense of self, my confidence, and my outlook on life. I truly have reclaimed my health. 

For those of you on a weight loss journey, think back to where you started, the doubts, the challenges, and the small victories that accumulated into a remarkable transformation. Remember how you felt when you realized you could achieve your goals, break down barriers, and emerge stronger and healthier. These memories are your source of inspiration and motivation. They remind you of the incredible potential that resides within each of us.

For me, I have a desire to pay it forward and to inspire change in others. I found that as I lost weight, others around me became supportive. Everyone understands the difficulty of losing weight.  My desire to inspire often stems from the profound realization that my own journey was made possible through the support and encouragement of others. Someone, somewhere, played a role in motivating me, whether it was a friend, a family member, or perhaps even a book or a community that shared my challenges or experiences. This support gave me the strength to persevere, and I have the opportunity to become that source of strength for others. Pay it forward.

Helping others achieve their weight loss goals becomes a natural extension of my journey.  I wrote the book Reclaiming Health to show people how I did it. It's a way to give back, to share the wisdom and knowledge I gained along the way.  Maybe I can be the one to empower someone else to transform their life. As I do, I will reinforce my commitment to maintaining my own healthier lifestyle. It becomes a continuous cycle of positive change. For that, count me in.

Until next time...

Post-Halloween

Alright, so Halloween is over and now it's time to reflect on the aftermath. Post-Halloween brings a mix of emotions.  We may have relief that the spooky season is behind us, but also a tinge of sadness that the costumes and candy are packed away for another year. The kids are certainly sad to see it go though as adults, we understand the Holiday Season is now upon us. 

Now that we've survived the sugar rush and haunted houses, it's time to embrace the cozy vibes of the Holiday Season's arrival. The crisp air, colorful leaves, and pumpkin-spiced everything are here to stay. That is the case in my house! It's the perfect opportunity to curl up with a warm drink, binge-watch some great movies, or if you are anything link me, pick up a classic (I can recommend Hemingway's Old Man and The Sea). Whatever your passion, it is time to enjoy the beauty of nature's transformation.

But let's not forget about those leftover Halloween candies. Whether you're sneaking them from your kids' stash or indulging in your own secret stash, there's always something satisfying about enjoying a sweet treat post-Halloween. Just do yourself a favor and do not overindulge. A month of great strides in weight loss can be reversed with Snickers, Twix, and Kit Kat. 

As we bid farewell to Halloween for another year, let's cherish the memories made and look forward to what lies ahead. Thanksgiving feasts, holiday decorations, and winter festivities are just around the corner. So let's embrace the post-Halloween lull and look forward to the joyous moments yet to come!

Until next time...