Start with Gratitude

Whether it's the beginning or the end, gratefulness always works.

Actually, there is a difference between gratitude and gratefulness, according to the dictionary.

Gratitude comes before gratefulness.

Still confused.

Yeah, I’ve struggled with the two words "and" and "or" and " and with the process of being grateful.

Gratitude is the mindset we have before anything else happens.

No matter what comes your way over the next 364 days of the year, you can choose to have Gratitude for 2026.

Gratefulness will come after the fact, a response to the actual circumstances.

Gratitude is how you see the world; gratefulness is how you feel after the world has its way with you.

The Things We Hide - Moment

One of the key points I write about in The Things We Hide is that we have the choice to recognize how our fears and insecurities affect our lives.

We can say, “Excuse me, my insecurity is showing,” or double down and hide it.

When we recognize how we respond, react, and cover our fears and insecurities, we can start to change how we show up for others.

Changing how we show up for others means choosing to shape our mindset before we interact with them.

This is the same with gratitude.

Starting with gratitude can help you choose a response to an outcome before the event occurs.

How you respond to the good or bad that comes your way is determined by your mindset before the event.

Our mindset determines our beliefs, which influence our thoughts, which drive action, and lead to results.  I’ll share more about this in the coming months, as this is another key point to The Things We Hide.

We Can Change

One of the blessings I have experienced is the ability to change.  The ability to grow from being armored up and hiding to being open and authentically vulnerable led to real strength.

This strength has allowed me to revisit trying and difficult moments and grow from them.

What I have learned is that those who progress the most after trying, difficult, or challenging circumstances are those who have a predetermined mindset of gratitude.

I know it sounds cooky and cheesy, but it's true.

Life will kick you in the b&!!$.  You can get mad about it and say it's unfair, or understand it's coming and jump next time.  There is just another leg around the corner coming your way.

If you learn to jump before the leg catches in the groin, well, guess what, you passed the test.

Good on you!  

Now go help someone else do the same because that is where true impact and joy come in life—enduring the challenges with gratitude, being grateful for the experience, and being excited to help others.

Webinar

Next week, on January 7th, I will be hosting a free webinar.

In the webinar, we will discuss the Hidden Barriers that hold us back from leading with authenticity.  I will also share a bit about the upcoming 12 Week IDL Roundtable, which kicks off the week of January 19th. 

Podcast

My podcast guest this week, Rod Neuenschwander, and I grew up less than 30 miles from each other.  We both were raised on dairy farms in North Central Ohio.  Our farms both endured trying farm accident tragedies; the death of my brother and his father losing an arm.

Yet we both speak with gratefulnessabout how these circumstances prepared us to do more in life.

In 2024, Rod lost his business partner and best friend, John Ruhlin, when he suddenly passed away.

In his book From Crisis to Clarity, he shares how the business he and John created prepared Rod and the rest of the Ruhlin Group to pick up the pieces and move forward after tragedy.

His story of resilience is not just on the surface; it’s in his bones.

Here is a portion of what you will gain from our conversation.

1. The Power of Relationships

Rod highlights how relationships are central to personal and professional success. The philosophy of Giftology focuses on building and nurturing relationships through high-impact gifting, a cornerstone of their business strategy.

2. Crisis as an Opportunity for Growth

Rod shares insights on how crises can create opportunities that comfort never could. The surprise, devastating, and untimely death of a highly visible portion of the business, John, didn't destroy the organization.  But it did change it. Yet, by focusing on relationships during challenging times, individuals and organizations can find new paths to success and transformation, as demonstrated by Giftology's evolution.

3. Humility and Giving

The importance of humility and the willingness to give and receive help can't be overstated. Rod shares lessons from John Ruhlin's approach to relationships, showing how giving first can lead to receiving support and building stronger connections.

Did you catch this podcast? If not, listen to it here.