Acknowledge Your Front Row

By Nikki Stone HERWriter

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Photo: Getty Images

As we’re quickly approaching Thanksgiving, I thought I should share my thoughts on giving thanks in a way you might never have thought of. Let the season inspire you to show your appreciation to those that have helped you reach your past successes. You’d be surprised at how many people don’t really know you truly appreciate their support. And with this small effort, you may likely find they are willing to lend a shoulder to stand on once again.

I’ve often thought it sad that people receive the best bouquets of flowers after they pass on. I long ago decided not to wait to express my appreciation. Whenever someone takes initiative to help me, I send flowers or a gift basket in gratitude. Gestures like that have always moved me when someone does it for me. I still recall the first thank you flowers I ever received. They were from a good friend, one I’m still close to today. And the dried flowers still hang on my wall as a reminder of that gratitude. As you can imagine, it’s not the last effort I’ve made for this friend.

If you were given an award for reaching your ultimate goal, who would you want in the front row of the audience? Most authors include an acknowledgment section in their books, to thank all the people who helped make it possible. I can’t tell you how uplifting it was to share my own acknowledgment section with the people who truly supported me.

Take 10 minutes to write the acknowledgment section for your greatest accomplishment. If you’re brave enough, share it with those you mention. We all assume that our family, friends and supporters know how much their assistance means to us, but surprisingly, they often don’t. You will find that people are much more likely to offer future help—to you and to many others—when they are appreciated for their support.

********** Motivational Weight Management Tip **********

My experience of working with the Biggest Loser contestants and Symtrimics has inspired me to leave motivational diet, health, and wellness tips at the end of all of my blogs. These tools will be driven from the actual advice shared in my weekly motivational Transformation Talks. This week’s tip: Breathe in inspiration from others. Find a role model who has overcome their own weight loss or fitness hurdles. Then ask yourself if this person would be proud of what you have accomplished.

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Nikki Stone won Olympic gold after she overcame a near career-ending spinal injury to win America’s first gold medal in the sport of Aerial Skiing. She was honored with the task of helping train the current Olympians on overcoming distractions, dealing with pressures, and harnessing confidence going into the Vancouver Olympics. And most recently, she was asked to be the motivational expert for a new Biggest Loser regional program.

Stone now works as a motivational speaker and recently authored the much-talked-about inspirational book When Turtles Fly: Secrets of Successful People Who Know How to Stick Their Necks Out (with contributors Lindsey Vonn, Shaun White, Tommy Hilfiger, and more). For more information, please visit www.WhenTurtlesFly.com and www.NikkiStone.com.

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.