Counting Blessings
“And I fall asleep counting my blessings . . .” If you’ve ever seen the classic holiday movie White Christmas, you’re no doubt familiar with these lyrics. But did you know songwriter Irving Berlin was speaking from personal experience when he wrote them?
Irving Berlin went to his doctor complaining of insomnia and left with a piece of advice that changed his life. Berlin’s doctor suggested he stop obsessing about petty grievances and count his blessings instead. After his first good night’s sleep in some time, Berlin wrote the song “Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep).” And the rest is American songbook history.
Modern psychological research bears out the doctor’s advice: Gratitude is good for you.
Studies consistently show that people who consciously practice gratitude are happier overall. It’s also a boon to interpersonal relationships. When you express gratitude to others, you foster the positive emotions that build intimacy and trust. And leaders who say a genuine “thank you” to their team members spark higher motivation levels than those who concentrate on the negative.
So, this holiday season, whether you’re sharing a holiday meal with relatives or celebrating with a colleague, recognize and express your gratitude freely.
It not only makes the other person feel good, it gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling you just might recognize as genuine happiness.
(Oh, and you’ll sleep better.)
Now, let me count just a few of my own blessings:
I’m grateful for each of our clients. Thank you for making EPI a part of your learning and development culture.
I’m grateful for the L&D community. Thank you for your dedication to learning and for keeping me on my toes.
I’m grateful for my awesome EPI team. Thank you for expertly rolling with the punches like the pros you are. And for making work fun every day.
And last, but by no means least, I’m grateful for my family. Thank you for bringing love, joy, and laughter into my life every day.
Thank you to all our EPI supporters. Enjoy your holidays and all the blessings they bestow! And you can jump-start your festive (and grateful) spirit with this clip of Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney in White Christmas.
-Michelle Kelly, CEO (Chief Enjoyment Officer)
Recommended Reading
To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings
by John O’Donohue
As you think about blessings this month, you might want to consider this wonderful book by the late Irish poet and philosopher John O’Donohue. To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings is one of my favorite books to read and to gift to others. O’Donohue eloquently encourages us to consider blessings as a normal part of life, and he includes a wide variety of blessings for life’s occasions and emotional milestones. Here are some examples of the everyday and unusual events he provides blessings for: At the End of the Year; The Inner History of a Day; A Blessing for the New Year; For the Artist at the Start of Day; On Meeting a Stranger, For Lost Friends, and so many more. As he says, “In the light and reverence of blessing, a person or situation becomes illuminated in a completely new way.” I encourage you to read this book and find your own illuminations!