On Gratitude: the Gratitude Rock (the Rest of the Story)

I heard about the Gratitude Rock on the movie The Secret. It's been a powerful, life transforming story that has literally changed the lives of millions of people form every country, creed and background. For those that haven't heard it, let me tell you the "Readers Digest" version of the Gratitude Rock, including the story behind the story.


Lee Brower is the businessman who initiated the gratitude rock movement. One of his daughters was struggling with substance abuse. Together, they found the best facility to treat her, and after an emotional parting at the facility, he flew to California to be alone for a few days and write. Walking along the beach, he discovered a butterfly shaped rock. In his own words:


"As I slowly strolled along the edge of the foam, breathing in the fresh morning breeze tumbling off the waves, my gaze was drawn to a dark colored rock. It actually seemed to be glowing and I couldn’t resist picking it up. As I examined this gray rock, I turned it over and there in black was the image of a butterfly in flight!


My heart stopped.
My throat tightened.
Was this a message to me to focus on the beauty of the flight?


I knew it belonged to my daughter.
I pocketed it and sent it to her.


When she received this little rock in the mail sent priority FedEx, she was anxious to call me and find out what this was all about. I told her to keep it close to her and every time she touched it, to think of something that she was grateful for. I told her I was going to hunt for my own rock and I would do the same.


Every morning when I get dressed and reach for my wallet, there is my rock. It immediately reminds me to drop to my knees and express gratitude for the many incredible relationships, experiences and blessings in my life. I actually visualize those things I am grateful for. I conclude by visualizing the day and the outcomes I desire for the day. During the day, each time I touch the rock, I am again reminded of my vision and gratitude. Then, at the conclusion of the day, as I take the rock out and place it on its special place on my bed stand, I capture the experiences and once again take time to express my appreciation."


When I heard this story, I was immediately impressed to get my own gratitude rock. I did carry a small rock in my pocket for a while, and it was a great experience for me to every day feel thanks and gratitude every time I touched the rock in my pocket.


Shortly after starting this habit, my dad was visiting from Canada, and gave me a silver dollar. He told me he got the dollar as change one day, and noticed it was minted in my birth year. So the dollar made him think of me. He carried it in his wallet for several years and felt it was time I carried the coin.


So I made it my "Gratitude Coin," and have put it in my pocket every day since. So it has even more meaning for me as it was a great gift from my dad. Whether you have a gratitude rock, coin, or anything else doesn't matter. The exercise is 100% internal. Use whatever works best for you.


Cicero said, "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, it is the parent of all others."


Try carrying your own Gratitude Rock, it will help you focus on all you have (most people focus on what they DON'T have!), it will help you appreciate more who you are, and could be one of the most powerful  habits you develop in your quest for success.