Imagine receiving a phone call, where on the other line, you heard a friend of yours pay you the kindest, most genuine acknowledgement of the difference you had made in their lives.

A few years ago, on September 21^st, I received just such a call from a friend of mine.  He ended it by wishing me a Happy World Gratitude Day -and immediately I was intrigued.  Of course, I knew we had days to celebrate licorice, butterscotch pudding, and bratwurst -it only made sense that gratitude would have a full day to shine as well.

I am a big believer in gratitude and the art of living in gratitude.  That being said, I am not some ultra-zen, always cool as a cucumber, completely centered and composed at all times superhuman.  I'm just a regular guy who was born and raised in the Detroit suburbs and has lived in Raleigh for almost 20 years.

I get mad.  I lose my cool sometimes.  I get jealous.  I complain.  I display my "Detroit" attitude when I get pushed a little too far.  But, I always bring it back to being grateful as quickly as possible.  Things go wrong in this crazy world quite often, but I believe there is always an overwhelming amount of blessings to be found.

Here is how I try to show gratitude each and every day

1. Happier and Healthier:I've discovered over the years that the more time I spend being grateful, the happier and healthier I am.  But, I'm also human.  So, I allow myself moments of turmoil to release that steam from my engine, and then I quickly scoot myself back to the world of gratitude.

2. The Ripple Effect:I have also learned that expressing my gratitude to others has a positive impact on them -possibly enabling it to then ripple throughout the world.  I find it doesn't take a lot of energy to help a friend or colleague see the bright side and provide some perspective.  Then, they're able to go throughout their day and interact with fellow co-workers, friends, family, and the world at large with a more positive energy.

3. Giving gratitude is getting gratitude:When we share authentic gratitude, like my friend did with me a few years back, it shines a light on our unique gifts as human beings.  It lights the person up.  It energizes them.  It fills them with joy, and it fillsthemwith gratitude -the impact is amplified!

But, there's a catch.  You have to give gratitude without expectations -expressing sincere gratitude to another person should be an altruistic gesture.

What's great about gratitude, is that you don't need to wait for a designated day to acknowledge someone or count your own blessings -be grateful and express your gratitude as often as you can!

At Cisco, we will be celebrating World Gratitude Day on Friday, September 20^th(ahead of the typical day of celebration on the 21^st) -how will you participate?  Perhaps take this day to show gratitude to one, some, or all your fellow Cisconians that you interact with that day.  Say it in person, write a thank you card, ping them, email them, Webex teams them, call them, send them a message through carrier pigeon -you get where I am going with this!  Then extend those feelings of gratitude to your family and friends.

If showing gratitude wasn't enough of a treat this week, be sure to also have a pecan cookie -September 20^this Pecan Cookie Day!

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