Good morning! Last week, we talked about two benefits of thanksgiving (the act, not the holiday).
This week, we will discuss an act of thanksgiving. In today’s culture, there has been an increase in the act of “giving people their flowers while they can still smell them,” which means expressing people’s importance and significance directly to them. Or, in other words, showing them how thankful you are for them.
“Dead people receive more flowers than the living ones because regret is stronger than gratitude.”
– Anne Frank
You should not overlook the power of giving others their flowers.
Appreciating people for who they are while they are still living is a difficult task in our society. Daniel Cable, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at London Business School, calls it the “eulogy delay.” He describes it as one of the hidden forces that prevent people from recognizing their potential.
You may find it challenging to be honest with others and tell them how much you appreciate them and what you admire most in them. Similarly, you are hesitant about asking people what they like best about you.
The “eulogy delay” idea dissolves when the person dies, and you feel compelled to share your thoughts and memories about the person. The truth is that revealing this information while both parties are still living will significantly impact both lives.
Also, others can reveal your blind spots to you and help you identify strengths that are totally outside your narratives.
Another hidden force that holds us all back, according to Daniel Cable, is what he calls “transience aversion.” Transience aversion is our resistance to thinking about our mortality.
We hate to be reminded that we will not live forever. Some people live their daily lives like death is something they can somehow avoid. And because of this, many of them don’t take their lives as seriously as they should.
Consider your mortality and realize that your time on this planet is limited. This can help you match your life with your values. It motivates us to reach our full potential and live life to the fullest.
Some elements of our culture serve as hidden forces holding us all back from pursuing our potential. Don’t let it happen to you. Be aware.
You can break the pattern today by thinking of someone in your life who deserves their flowers for who they have been in your life. When the person’s name comes to mind, I want you to send them a message or call them and just let them know that they are special and important to you, and you appreciate all they’ve done for you.
That’s it!
Keep going! Thanks for joining the Blimish community!
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