By Blair Rosenberg | Co-founder, Standard Manner

It has been such a gift running the Standard Manner with my business partner over the years. We often work with children, and in every etiquette course we teach, we remind the participants that “their attitude determines their altitude.” After saying this so many times, I realized this statement is just as applicable to all adults as it is to youth. I also began examining what is at the “heart” of a good attitude, and the answer I uncovered is gratitude.

While I have never started a gratitude journal or filled a jar with strips of paper stating what I was grateful for each day, I do often find myself mentally and verbally stating thanks for all I’ve been given — even the difficulties and tribulations. 

This isn’t an easy task — being grateful for troubles seems counterintuitive. After encountering my own pains this year, I realized I wouldn’t be as truly joyful and as appreciative as I am now without them. I am grateful for every seemingly little thing. When it’s ice cold outside, I am appreciative that I can see my breath in the air. When I stub my toe, I am grateful I can feel. When I have a rough day at work, I am thankful I have a job. When I fixate on the future and what tomorrow looks like, I am glad for the gentle reminder to live in the present and focus on the now. 

For children and adults alike, the saying “attitude determines altitude” is a powerful reminder that we have more control of how our days, weeks and lives unfold than we give ourselves credit for. Not only does an attitude of gratitude impact our lives, it has the force to brighten lives around us. 

Blair Rosenberg is co-founder of the Standard Manner Etiquette and Communications Consulting, preparing individuals for etiquette success in social and professional situations. Fulltime, Blair is the donor relations manager for HCI Care Services and Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa ensuring that every donor’s philanthropic goals are met and that essential nonprofit programs continue to thrive. She has a great passion for people and for the city of Des Moines.
Read the full submission at BusinessRecord.com.

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While I have never started a gratitude journal or filled a jar with strips of paper stating what I was grateful for each day, I do often find myself mentally and verbally stating thanks for all I’ve been given — even the difficulties and tribulations. 

This isn’t an easy task — being grateful for troubles seems counterintuitive. After encountering my own pains this year, I realized I wouldn’t be as truly joyful and as appreciative as I am now without them. I am grateful for every seemingly little thing. When it’s ice cold outside, I am appreciative that I can see my breath in the air. When I stub my toe, I am grateful I can feel. When I have a rough day at work, I am thankful I have a job. When I fixate on the future and what tomorrow looks like, I am glad for the gentle reminder to live in the present and focus on the now. 

For children and adults alike, the saying “attitude determines altitude” is a powerful reminder that we have more control of how our days, weeks and lives unfold than we give ourselves credit for. Not only does an attitude of gratitude impact our lives, it has the force to brighten lives around us. 

Blair Rosenberg is co-founder of the Standard Manner Etiquette and Communications Consulting, preparing individuals for etiquette success in social and professional situations. Fulltime, Blair is the donor relations manager for HCI Care Services and Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa ensuring that every donor’s philanthropic goals are met and that essential nonprofit programs continue to thrive. She has a great passion for people and for the city of Des Moines.