Here is a secret. I am addicted to gracious people. Why? Because gracious people always leave you feeling better when you depart their company. Here are a few things gracious people do:
- Listens to others more than speak about self
- Is humble with accomplishments and praises others' efforts easily
- Does not embarrass deliberately and intentionally
- Genuinely thankful for even the tiniest gesture
- Pays attention to others and remembers details of their life/conversation
- Thinks through their words before they speak aloud
- Has a knack for making people feel comfortable and appreciated
- Consistently recognizes the good in others
I am always amazed by people who remember the tiniest details I may have quickly shared in a conversation. Or the fact that they will remember my children's names or maybe that I once lived on the Outer Banks. "Did you ever get a milkshake from John's?" they might ask and we quickly reminisce and long for the best cold, creamy concoctions located on the old beach road. Gracious people are usually huggers. I love huggers. Gracious people tend to make you feel like the smartest person in the room. Gracious people smile. A lot. Rarely do they complain. And if they complain, they tend to provide a solution and then quickly ask for your opinion on the matter. They are considerate, find beauty in the distorted, laugh heartily and empathize easily, provide hope with their actions and give you the confidence to believe in yourself.
Anne Frank wrote, "In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.". Scribbled in her journal, were thoughts and observations of a young teenager trapped in a secret annex for two, long years. She could not go with friends to enjoy ice cream on a beautiful summer evening. She could not dance in a gym with a boy while her girlfriends watched and giggled. She could not shop for the latest fashions. She could not feel grass between her toes. She could not smell the change of the seasons. All because she was Jewish and in certain parts of Europe, religious associations would cost you your life. Anne could have been a very angry, obstinate teenager full of hate and rage but she made a choice to do otherwise. When you read her diary, "kindness and courtesy" remain a pretty consistent and surprising theme. Anne Frank is an exceptional study of defining graciousness and a constant reminder that the little things do matter in a big, big way.
Graciousness, like encouragement, is a gift we like to give and receive. I have mentioned this sentiment before. These traits make us better people and make others better, too. Yes, some are born with grace like personalities, but more often this is a learned practice. Grandparents are usually gracious beings. And thank goodness our children have exposure to those ears and hearts that love to hear the same story countless times, that always ask questions with earnest interest, that make our children feel like the most special beings in the world and always have a smile and a hug waiting to be delivered. Good gracious...we can learn a lot from a young girl who died early, tragically and unnecessarily and from those who walk among us, humbly, thankfully, joyfully and graciously. Study well. Study often. And remember, practice makes perfect.
For more inspirational quotes from Anne Frank, you may visit this link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/3720.Anne_Frank. Better yet, read her book, The Diary of Anne Frank.
Anne Frank wrote, "In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.". Scribbled in her journal, were thoughts and observations of a young teenager trapped in a secret annex for two, long years. She could not go with friends to enjoy ice cream on a beautiful summer evening. She could not dance in a gym with a boy while her girlfriends watched and giggled. She could not shop for the latest fashions. She could not feel grass between her toes. She could not smell the change of the seasons. All because she was Jewish and in certain parts of Europe, religious associations would cost you your life. Anne could have been a very angry, obstinate teenager full of hate and rage but she made a choice to do otherwise. When you read her diary, "kindness and courtesy" remain a pretty consistent and surprising theme. Anne Frank is an exceptional study of defining graciousness and a constant reminder that the little things do matter in a big, big way.
Graciousness, like encouragement, is a gift we like to give and receive. I have mentioned this sentiment before. These traits make us better people and make others better, too. Yes, some are born with grace like personalities, but more often this is a learned practice. Grandparents are usually gracious beings. And thank goodness our children have exposure to those ears and hearts that love to hear the same story countless times, that always ask questions with earnest interest, that make our children feel like the most special beings in the world and always have a smile and a hug waiting to be delivered. Good gracious...we can learn a lot from a young girl who died early, tragically and unnecessarily and from those who walk among us, humbly, thankfully, joyfully and graciously. Study well. Study often. And remember, practice makes perfect.
For more inspirational quotes from Anne Frank, you may visit this link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/3720.Anne_Frank. Better yet, read her book, The Diary of Anne Frank.
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