The word gratitude comes from the root gratus, which means pleasing.
According to “Life 101″ (by Peter McWilliams), the obvious interpretation is that when you are pleased with something, you are grateful. He offers a second interpretation, which is “when you are grateful, then you are pleased, not by the thing, but by the gratitude.”
So, other words, be pleased (and I’ll add my own interpretation) - with others.
G.B Stern once said:
Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.
With that quote in mind, this week’s focus is on the growing army of people who have gone out of their way to help me spread the word about my inspirational messages and stories to the rest of the world. This lends credence to the saying that we can’t achieve our dreams alone.
You’ll understand why I’m more than grateful this week - how could anyone not be? Read on….
Jennifer Abbot Starts a “Stephen Hopson FanClub” at Facebook!
Her name might sound familiar to those of you who frequent the Adversity University community for she is a very active participant in the comment section. She maintains not one but TWO blogs, both of which are awesome. One is called Principles for Peace while the other is Empowered Reader. Like me, she positively inhales books - if she ever runs for President, she’ll probably have to issue a statement to the press, “I didn’t inhale.”
One day she wrote me an email with the news that she had just created a new user group over at Facebook called “Stephen Hopson FanClub.” WOW. No one ever did that for me before! Thank you Jennifer! Words alone almost never do justice but this will have to do - for now…………
Come to the Stephen Hopson Fanclub and join us! All you have to do is either sign up or sign in at Facebook. I look forward to seeing you there (please mention that you saw this gratitude post at Adversity University so that we know where you came from- thanks).
Michael Werner Wrote an Open Letter to “Success Magazine”
Another fan, Michael Werner of Dream Jobs Dialog, also took it upon himself to act as a person who “sneezes.” For those of you who are unfamiliar with this social media terminology, it means a someone who is so inspired by another individual that he/she finds innovative and unsolicited ways to get out the word about that person - sometimes without his/her prior knowledge until after it happens.
He wrote an open letter to Success Magazine, asking the editor to consider doing a story on me. Amazing - that man. He’s literally become my PR guy. I’m honored and humbled by your extraordinary kindness Michael - thank you!
Update: While the editor-in-chief has acknowledged Michael’s open letter, I have not heard anything from Success Magazine as of yet. But you know what? Who cares? It doesn’t matter because it’s the thought and action behind it that carries so much weight. Right?
BIGG Success Interviews Me and Releases An Audio/Text Version to the Public
When I was at SOBCon08 (Chicago) a several weeks ago, I was approached by George Krueger and Mary-Lynn Foster of BIGG Success to do an interview towards the end of the conference. Apparently they were inspired by some of the things I had said while I was there and wanted to know if I’d do an interview about how I became a pilot.
I thought to myself, “Sure, why not?”
After looking around the conference center, we found a relatively secluded spot where we wouldn’t be interrupted and proceeded to have a very fun question and answer session.
For those of you with the gift of hearing, you can listen to their interview at Overcoming Adversity: How Stephen Hopson Opened the Runway for Deaf Pilots. Fortunately, George and Mary-Lynn posted a great summary right beneath the audio button benefiting those who rely not on audio but text for their information.
I’m excited to tell you that on the day this was aired, BIGG Success experienced a huge spike in traffic. It went right through the roof - congrats George and Mary-Lynn. I’m glad for you. Your interview was a hoot - I had a ball with you guys. Thanks!
Patrick Combs Conducts a One Hour Teleconference Interview with Me and His Unlimited Mentoring Students
Remember I announced to everyone in last week’s gratitude post about how I’m now able to speak on the telephone through the use of a relatively new software program (where I can see a live operator on the screen, acting as a silent interpreter during phone calls)?
Well, I also mentioned that Patrick Combs had invited me for an hour-long interview with his “Unlimited Mentoring Students.”
After it was all over, here’s what he had to say in a follow up email almost immediately afterwards:
Stephen,
You blew doors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You brought the guy running our webinar to tears.
Truly inspirational and well told my friend!
We will get you a recording of the call and you may useit as you please.love, P
Notice how he ended his email quote with “….and you may use it as you please.”
At first I thought I would turn this into my first-ever product and offer it for sale (I’ve got to find ways to develop other streams of income!), but then the more I thought about it, the more I realized this conversation had a better chance of being heard by even more people if I made it available to you for free, Seth Godin-style. All of his books were (and are still) available as free e-book downloads before they all went on to become hardcover best-sellers. The guy is on to something!
So here it is - available to you FREE - my suggestion is that you listen to this when you know you’ll have an hour of uninterrupted time - perhaps during lunch hour or just before you retire for the night:
Inspirational Interview with Patrick Combs: Stories of How I Overcame Adversity to Achieve the Impossible
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime to share with your community Patrick. I am forever grateful for it.
Special Notice to my hearing impaired friends: Like you, I cannot hear a word of this interview so don’t worry - we’re in the same boat. I don’t even remember what I said! Maybe someone from the Adversity University community will come forward and transcribe this for us. If and when that happens, I’ll be sure to either post it or send you a private email (use the contact form above if you want a copy of the transcript).
Other Things I’m Grateful For
Are you a nice guy or girl with authority? I think I fall into that category so I was grateful to stumble across The Nice Guy’s Guide to Authority by Sonia Simone of remarkable communication. Don’t worry, she’s a girl so she was not being sexist with that title. In this brilliant article, she lists 4 ways “nice people” can be authorities in their chosen fields. An excellent read - in fact, it was so good that I printed out a copy for myself and I think you will want one too!
- In last year’s post, Confessions of a Motivational Speaker, I talked about how joining Toastmasters helped me get my feet wet as a public speaker. Even though I now speak professionally, I’ve had this itch lately to rejoin just for the fun of it and keep my speaking skills sharp. I am grateful to a new friend from the local area, Joel Putnam, for bringing me in as a guest to his club the other day. Thank you Joel for opening that door for me - I can’t wait to officially become a member and start testing new speech material!
You’ll get a kick out of the last one. Before I moved to Wordpress, Adversity University was hosted at Blogger.com That’s when I had Google Adsense set up there, just to see how much money I could make. Well, good gracious, it took almost two years to make my first $100!
Problogger - NOT! LOL.
By the way, the old blog is still there but I’ve informed visitors that we’ve moved over here.
Anyway, the unexpected windfall was discovered one morning when I was reconciling my checking accounts online. There was a credit entry for exactly $101.63. Whoohoo! I’m a gazabillionaire now!
Food for thought: What does gratitude mean to you? Can you name one thing from this past week that you’re grateful for? Go and Tell.
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10:38 pm on June 5th, 2008 1
I’m grateful for air conditioning. Lots and lots of air conditioning.
Compared to your much longer list, it doesn’t sound like much, but man, when you’re hot, there is nothing like some good A/C.
Ryans last blog post..going out in a chariot of fire
6:42 am on June 6th, 2008 2
Ryan:
Oh yes, I would definitely, absolutely be grateful for air conditioning if and whenever I turn it on.
Even though it was extremely hot yesterday, I did not have to turn it on because I live in the valley of Akron where it’s a little cooler but there are times when I have to turn it on. But so far this year, I haven’t had to.
Speaking of air conditioners, I’m thankful my car has one that works - years ago I remember driving around with a non-functioning A.C. and it was horribly muggy out. I got stuck in traffic and so there was no wind to blow through the car and cool me off. I thought I was going to die!
So Amen to your gratitude for A.C. - whoever invented that ought to be given a shrine or something.
9:24 am on June 6th, 2008 3
I’m chuckling at the way things are unfolding. Remember how you stressed over booking an extra day after the SOBCon? You used that extra day to learn how to make calls through Hands On/i711 and that led to the wonderful teleconference call above.
Ryan’s right– you’re on fire.
Karen Putz / DeafMoms last blog post..My Kids Go to School Tomorrow, For One Hour
10:09 am on June 6th, 2008 4
Hey, Mr. Hopson. You being your normal humble self, sir, are downplaying this FAN CLUB thing. This is incredible. I mean, other than the “stars,” who else has a fan club. I don’t know much about Facebook, but I’m heading over there right now to get into your club.
This is very cool.
Michael Werner
PS Glad to see your a McWilliams fan too!
Michael Werners last blog post..Who You Know Required for Success in Life and Dream Job?
10:34 am on June 6th, 2008 5
Oh, and by the way, the whole SUCCESS magazine thing. Perhaps you don’t know this, but I will NOT stop until one of these contacts turns into something interesting, good, or powerful for you. This is a project (SH Promotion) that I will not fail at — one of these mini-prom schemes will come through.
They don’t call me “Chief Schemer” round these here parts fer nuttin’, old friend.
Also, Stephen, you know that any effort is like throwing a little pebble into the lake, right? It creates a little wave that moves out and beyond where you can see . . . so, who knows, eh? Maybe someone else will see the Open Letter or one of SUCCESS’s editors will mention it to a colleague at another publishers, or . . .
Keep the faith!
Michael Werners last blog post..Who You Know Required for Success in Life and Dream Job?
10:46 am on June 6th, 2008 6
Michael, yes Stephen is downplaying this fanclub thing. He so deserves it. I look forward to you helping us make it great. Be sure and invite all your facebook freinds to join the club! Let’s all spread the word about Stephen and help him spread the word about his speaking abiblity and his new book.
Wow Stephen, you have had an incredible week and SOOOO much to be thankful for! Congratualtions go out to you! This fanclub thing was just a teeny tiny portion of good things coming your way!
I so hope you make Success magazine. It is the bomb! I have a subscription and I love there new personal growth tone they have now, and their great free CD’s and DVD’s!
I’m thankful to have a small, but first place spot on your blog post today! What an honor to be featured on your blog. I’ll pay you later for all the good things you said about me.
Really, I have done what you did with your blog in changing over to Wordpress. Even though my blogger blog is still there I transfered everything over to http://www.principlesforpeace.com and now just blog there. Right now I’m struggling to keep my head above water. That would lead me to be grateful that I only have one blog! I’m also thankful for all the loyal commentors I have there now and the new ones that keep coming.
Ryan, I’m right there with you about the a.c. thing. It’s 90something degrees in TN now, not to mention very muggy.
I’m also VERY thankful to God, the men who worked on my yard, and the water company for my new baby grass in the yard - and of course my husband for helping me water it. I’m so excited to see it coming up after we thought it got flooded by a huge rain!
Jennifers last blog post..Will Someone Please Just Listen to Me!
10:47 am on June 6th, 2008 7
Wow, it looks like I just wrote a post in the comment section of your blog. Sorry about the length of that.
Jennifers last blog post..Will Someone Please Just Listen to Me!
11:15 am on June 6th, 2008 8
It was a pleasure interviewing you for our show, Stephen. After our initial conversation with you at SOBcon, Mary-Lynn and I were both so inspired that we knew we had to share you with everyone in our audience.
You have a bright future! It’s great to see that the word’s getting out.
P.S. I just joined your fan club on FaceBook. Will you remember us “little people”? LOL.
George Kruegers last blog post..Are Good Looks an Advantage or a Disadvantage at Work?
11:53 am on June 6th, 2008 9
I am grateful for all my friends, comrades in faith, family, and the people at my new job. They all encouraged me to never give up when times were really tough for me. I am grateful for everyday, the warm weather, the sunshine, my health and my energy. I am grateful to you Stephen, for your inspiration and moviation!
Peace and Victory to all, Patti
1:00 pm on June 6th, 2008 10
I’m grateful for my client who wrote a terrific testimonial and sent me a referral this week. There is nothing like referral based business! It’s just the best business can be, I think. And nothing like having clients who are genuinely happy and appreciative for my service!!
And I’m grateful there are good blogs like this. No, really. There are so many blogs with tons of comments by people who just want attention, and here, we have a real community. It’s like an oasis.
Thank you for doing this, Stephen!
Akemi - Yes to Mes last blog post..How I Traded My Life For Future Security And How I’m Getting It Back
5:05 pm on June 6th, 2008 11
Akemi:
Thanks for giving of yourself wholeheartedly. Congratulations on not only receiving a powerful testimony letter but also getting a referral. I know exactly that feels! It’s a strong form of validation for the work you do.
You’re right - there’s nothing like having clients who are genuinely happy for your services, especially if they pay you well!
Yes, we do have an oasis - that’s what I’ve been striving for over the last several months. I love how commentators talk to one another - it’s a thrill. One of these days I’ll step back and let them go at it! That’d be cool.
And THANK YOU for participating - it’s so cool to have you take the time out of your busy schedule to mingle with us.
5:08 pm on June 6th, 2008 12
Patti:
I love how your energy comes through. I’ve seen you go through some very tough times and look at you! You’re still standing tall! You’re still moving full steam ahead!
Thanks for sharing YOUR gratitude too - it feels good to let that out, doesn’t it? Especially when a lot of people will see what you’re grateful for, therefore extending the power of your thoughts.
The blogosphere is an amazing place - why? Because the power is tremendous - when you speak your piece (or write your piece), it causes a ripple effect because untold number of people will see it, internalize and digest it.
5:13 pm on June 6th, 2008 13
George:
Nothing gives me more pleasure than expressing my thanks to you and Mary-Lynn for thinking I was interesting enough to be interviewed on BIGG Success!
And the funny thing, I felt so comfortable with you two. Your smile, your quiet sense of comfort and your overall energy felt good to be around. It was a hoot, indeed.
And George, you’re so funny. “Little people”? Well, actually we’re all little at heart (i.e. children at heart). Right?
5:19 pm on June 6th, 2008 14
Karen:
Yes, I remember when I was sort of “agonizing” over whether or not I ought to stay an extra day or two after the SOBCon08 conference was over!
And of course, you’re the one who introduced me to this telephone system - I’m forever thankful I decided to stay an extra night or two at your house, thanks to you and your family.
Little did we know that making a decision like that would lead me to a series of events that would rapidly unfold afterwards. The universe is amazing at what it produces at the right time.
Glad you were a part of it.
5:27 pm on June 6th, 2008 15
Michael:
Well, I didn’t realize I was downplaying it but in retrospect I guess I was. Okay, let me make it official: Welcome to my fan club.
There, I said it. Satisfied? Seriously, I’m so psyched! And I haven’t even made a movie. What’s going on?
Yes Mr. Schemer, I totally understand and appreciate your dedication in getting Success magazine to come forward and meet your demands. LOL. I appreciate it man. Gosh, it’s almost as if you caught the Hopson fever or something. What’s your temperature these days?
Seriously, THANKS. I’m so grateful you are hell bent on making sure something comes of your initial contact with them.
And yes, you’re absolutely right about how a little pebble thrown in a body of water, can cause ripples to extend further and further out into the universe (so to speak). I totally get that. Yes. All that is required is a little bit here and there. Nothing strenuous and before you know it, POOF something manifests.
This can be said to happen as a result of collective as well as individual efforts.
5:31 pm on June 6th, 2008 16
Jennifer:
It’s alright if you wrote a post in the comment section. LOL. It’s obvious how you were pouring your heart into what you were writing. It’s amazing - the power of your emotions can be felt through your words and the number of exclamation points. LOL.
Thank you Jennifer for starting this surprising phenomena. I’ve never, ever had anyone do something like that for me.
In fact, would you believe I’ve never had a surprise party thrown for me? So in a way, this is like a surprise party you’re throwing for me and everyone is invited! Whoo hoo. Are there enough spiritual drinks and food for everyone? LOL.
6:50 pm on June 6th, 2008 17
Hey, my pleasure.
Regarding the discussion in comments — I really hope my comment section will grow like this, with commentators talking to one another. I’m sort of watching how you have brought this — I guess responding to each comment myself is the first key, so I’ve been doing this faithfully.
My another gratitude this week: I found someone stole my article one morning. Really blatant plagiarism. I was pissed off because I spend a lot of time and effort to write good posts. But I wasn’t sure what to do as her host server nor herself offered no easy way to contact. So I emailed a few blogger friends who are more experienced than I am, and they responded back with great advice, backed with warm comments of support. I have great friends! So here is my virtual hugs to all my online buddies!!
7:37 pm on June 6th, 2008 18
Akemi:
I’m happy to show you the way like others have shown me. One thing I like about a blog, any blog, is when the blogger is personally involved in the ongoing discussion, bringing out thoughts, feelings, emotions in full play.
It’s like corresponding with each person via email only that the rest of us get to have a peek at what we’re saying to each other. Pretty soon they start to correspond amongst themselves. But it takes a long time for that to happen.
Like most things in life, relationships take time to grow. People like to know that you acknowledge the time and effort they took to spend a few minutes writing to their heart’s content. When people share, they’re letting you in. A door has been opened simply because they cared enough to take time out of their busy schedule to drop in. We’re all busy - the least a blogger can do is take time out of his/her busy schedule and correspond.
Of course, I don’t know how the superstar bloggers do it with hundreds of comments a day. Some like Steve Pavlina have created forums, which I personally don’t care much for but it works for him. Others like Seth Godin close off their comment sections, leaving only private emails that may or may not be answered. It’s a tough call.
But as far as I am concerned, the people who participate via comments are the lifeblood of a blog’s success. When I first created Adversity University, I had the mindset of creating a community and that’s exactly what’s happening, much to my delight. Having a strong vibrant community makes a blog vibrant, alive and full of energy that keeps drawing more people in, increasing the chances of making a difference in their lives as well.
Just keep doing what you’re doing and be careful not to compare yourself to others. That’s a common pitfall that beginning bloggers make - I used to that when I first started (an in other areas of my life too) but I eventually realized it was detrimental to my overall well being and stopped doing it. Instead, I focused on what my heart was telling me to do. I also put myself in the shoes of commentators because I am a frequent commentator at other blogs. I often click the “subscribe to this conversation” button because I like to know if my thoughts will be acknowledged. And when the blogger does that, I am delighted. So I know how my commentators feel when I personally answer every single one of them - they feel like they’ve been heard.
Isn’t that what everyone wants - to be heard?
10:09 pm on June 6th, 2008 19
Stephen,
You and this blog are my role model because I want to build a community at Yes to Me, too. (And I also joined ToastMasters to learn public speaking!) Yes to Me is starting to take its own life, with interviews and guest blogs, and I was wondering how I want to develop it further — maybe I want to add more “Akemi” there. Like this weekly gratitude post. Now I’ve got to think. . .
5:31 am on June 7th, 2008 20
Akemi:
Well, you go girl! Congrats on joining Toastmasters. You will truly enjoy being a part of a great group of people who are courageous enough to learn how to get up in front of a group of people and speak.
You are definitely on the right path - keep going!
10:29 am on June 7th, 2008 21
Stephen, I think you are feeling pretty special this week. We’ll have to make sure your head doesn’t grow too big. lol
I guess I’m an exclamation point hogg. I’m not really a hogg. There’s plenty more go go around if anyone wants to use them!!!!!!
I’ll share the passion.
Jennifers last blog post..Will Someone Please Just Listen to Me!
11:04 am on June 7th, 2008 22
Stephen, two things you said that I would like to reiterate for anyone feeling this way.
Don’t compare yourself to other bloggers and do what your heart says.
I wish I could remember the article now, but someone somewhere on the internet (how’s that for a reference?) said that although we try to make decisions based on the logical, “brain” side of us, when it really comes down to it, it is our heart that often decides.
Now, this is a personal decision–we can let one take control over the other. However, if you think of a time when you bought something you wanted, for instance, you’ll see it was your emotional response to that thing or the need you had that propelled you to buy it. Your brain only kicked in after your heart had convinced you it was what you wanted to do.
In that same way, our heart convinces us to write/blog/go sky-diving/whatever and so we’re motivated, pumped up–we could do anything! And then the brain kicks in, and that’s when we really have to fight to keep the heart in the decision-making process. We get discouraged, we start comparing ourselves to others, and that’s when the brain might say: hey, this really isn’t worth it.
We really can’t afford to let ourselves get down-hearted and depressed. I don’t think people realize how vitally important it is to be happy (and grateful). Happy is following your heart. Happy is following through on your dreams despite logical, rational roadblocks.
Maybe I’m a little off-topic here, but it’s something important to understand. IMO.
Blog on!!!!!!! (That’s seven exclamation points, if anyone’s counting … *cough* Jennifer)
Ryans last blog post..going out in a chariot of fire
4:48 pm on June 7th, 2008 23
Jennifer:
Pretty special? Nah, but I do feel good because I feel grateful. Gratitude feels good.
Yes, Jennifer please do share the passion - we can’t get enough of it. LOL.
4:54 pm on June 7th, 2008 24
Ryan:
You summed this up excellently. What you’re talking about is ego versus heart.
You’ve outlined the battle between the two quite succinctly. I’m thankful that my heart has won the battle a lot of times but there have been times when my ego (i.e. fear, insecurity, etc. etc) won.
The key for me is to stay close to God, keep the faith in Him and the universe and trust that if I listen to my heart, I will be okay in the long run. This, of course, is what the ego says is a foolish thing.
I loved your summary! Very nice - thanks for inputting your thoughts with us.
4:25 pm on June 9th, 2008 25
[...] over at Adversity University has got a great idea going there with his End of the Weed Gratitude themes. (Talk about synchronicity, last week’s theme was about people who are promoting him! ) [...]
11:02 am on June 13th, 2008 26
[...] am starting the Gratitude Friday series, inspired by Stephen at Adversity University. This will add a new perspective to this Yes to Me blog. So far, I’ve been taming the [...]