“Please” and “thank you.” Those were “the magic words,” Mom and Dad taught me. Corny? You betcha. But you know what? When I taught my kids to say them, they really did turn out to be kind of magical. Why?
Because, I discovered, happiness isn’t necessary for gratitude, gratitude is necessary for happiness. This seems counter-intuitive, but the only way to be consistently happy is to build a happiness baseline focused on gratitude.
“So enter with the password: ‘Thank you!’ making yourself at home!” ~Psalm 100:4
Hey Mitch, you are SO right. Gratitude. Kindness. Forgiveness. John and I are working on a happiness workbook for his Well-lived Lives classes and those are the BIG THREE. Of course, there’s savoring, sleep, noticing good things, and a few others. But I put Gratitude at the top.
Sounds like a course everyone should take, Rita!
There is a “popup” in the lower right of my screen that says “Thanks for your feedback!” and a blue button under that that says “Next”. Nothing happens when I click on the “next”. IS something supposed to happen?
I wish I knew, Booky. I’ve had others tell me similar things, but I can neither alter nor delete it.
Huh, good to know.
Mitch Thank You for your wise and funny blog. You are an Asset to many so speedy recovery from your procedure!
Brad
Thank you so much, Brad.
So true
Very true words and a great reminder of the importance of gratitude and appreciation. I am happy to see my daughter teach her son these important words. I fear and feel it’s decline in my daily interactions, I hope for it’s resurgence.
A little bit of kindness can go a mighty long way; manners are neccessary tools for life.
So true, trE.
I truly agree with you and was taught the same at home.
Miriam
Wise parents, Miriam.
With our me, me, me society these words ring so true and should be taught more.
<3
Thank you, sir!
My pleasure, Bonnie!
Insightful! Deep!
Thanks, Benjamin!
You’re welcome!
Very true
So so true! It’s really hard to be glum and thankful at the same time!
Great post, thank you
My pleasure, L.G.
“happiness isn’t necessary for gratitude, gratitude is necessary for happiness”– had to read that 3x until it clicked. okay, yes, i get it. 🙂
;>)
One of the keys to a great marriage. Maybe not so corny.
Glad God made you. Have an awesome day!
Aw, thank you, and likewise, Nancy!
I agree about the magic. Please, Mitch, to say more on this whenever you like. Thank you!–Christopher
My privilege, Christopher.
Thank you for sharing these words of wisdom, Mitch. You are absolutely right. 🙂
My pleasure, Nancy.
Please is also another magic word
I love your quote, Mitch!
I believe in “please and ” thank you,” the magic words.
cora i miss you
So true, Mitch!
Thank you, Mitch!
Your words connect to our hearts.
My pleasure, Loku.
These wise words are a good beginning to my week.
So pleased to hear that, Maren.
I was raised on those “magic words” as well. But you are so right, gratitude is what brings happiness. Wisdom, my friend! Thank you!
My privilege, Peggy.
So true, Mitch! I’ve learned these words, spoken with sincerity, open many doors- and hearts and minds!
I agree
So true and heart warming
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Yes, they are THE magic words!
People are in awe that I always say “Please?” & “Thank you”, but those words can make a difference in someone’s day more than we think.
They can indeed, Tash.