Hard work can get you down
OK, admit it, when you are in a very public position, work long hours, and feel underappreciated, there are times when you feel depressed. If it continues for more than a week, you need to consult a physician, because depression can be the result of chemical imbalance, and that needs to be treated. However, many times your feelings of depression can be an emotional response to conditions. First, know that many people experience that, and you can do something about it. The procedure I am suggesting can even be fun, and that may be the first step to moving beyond those depressed feelings.
MAKE A 60 DAY COMMITMENT
John Kralik wrote a book, 365 Thank Yous which stimulated what I am going to suggest. After two divorces, estrangement from his children, a failing law practice, and overweight, John decided that each day for 365 days he was going to write a thank you note to someone. I haven’t even read the book, but it got me to thinking of a strategy for clergy and educators to combat depression.
My challenge to you is to try it for just sixty days and if it works, keep it going and maybe even spread the word of its effectiveness to others. As an old proverb puts it, every journey begins with the first step. So your first step is to secure sixty-five cards and envelopes. (I’m assuming that you may mess up at least five cards in the process) Place the cards on your desk and make a commitment that you will write one thank you note a day.
In addition, whether in a note book, journal, or computer program, record each week, how this practice is affecting you emotionally and spiritually.
each week is different
Begin your first week by writing notes to seven family members. Begin with your spouse, then your children, your parents, or your siblings. Each get a personal note, written by your hand, expressing your gratitude for them. Stick to one note a day and don’t announce to your family what you are doing. If there are more than seven in that configuration, go ahead and extend your practice into the second week. Pay attention to their responses and how it makes you feel.
NEXT EXPAND INTO NEW AREAS
This is just the beginning. In the next blog, I’m going to suggest a series of categories for your thank you notes that will expand your impact of gratefulness.
I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE. I ALSO INVITE YOU TO SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG (SEE THE BUTTON ABOVE) AND JOIN THE CONVERSATION ABOUT HOW TO NURTURE THE HEALTH OF CHURCH PROFESSIONALS. IN THE PROCESS, WE BUILD A HEALTHIER CHURCH TOGETHER.
