A Gratitude Habit Grows into Patience and Empathy

My journey with gratitude grows like wildflowers.

It's like a packet of mixed seeds. You don't know what kind until they bloom.

My simple gratitude habit bloomed into other complementary characteristics.

I’ve often written about how my gratitude practice makes me look for the positive in my life. Something that seems so natural now.

My patience and empathy have grown as well.

I pulled into the local thrift store parking lot to donate some items. A car was backing out of the donation line. I realized cones blocked the bay. My car clock read 10:58. The donation door would open in two minutes. 

I had time to wait. Lately, I’ve been taking advantage of waiting moments. This would be a good time to think about whatever crossed my mind.

At 11:05, the doors remained closed. I knew they would open soon. Stuff happens. People get busy.

The same car returned and pulled up to the side. The driver got out of the car, taking two bags of donations, and placing them in front of the closed door. She stood facing the door with arms crossed. Body language said it all.

Once her needs were met, she left, and the attendant removed the cones. 

I pulled up and had the nicest conversation. We reminisced about how all gas stations used to have the doorbell you drove over to alert the attendant of a customer. They use one of those doorbells at the thrift store.

This is what gratitude brings me every day: patience, understanding, empathy, good conversation, and smiles.