I came across the quote in the image soon after reading Chapter 7 of Gratitude in Education: a radical view (Howells, 2012, pp. 93). This is a quote that I probably would reflexively have hit the ‘like’ button for, previous to reading this chapter; even though I know that in reality, in our working life, we often do not have this choice. 

In my personal life, I still would probably opt for this path – why invest in fostering relationships with people who are hard work - unless there is a significant reason to do so.

I and many others would not have this luxury in our working lives. We are placed in relationships with staff and students; some we will get along with famously, some we will enjoy a reasonable working relationship and some would fit somewhere in the ‘toxic waters’ category. The ideas raised by this course remind me of the quote:  “If you always do what you’ve always done, you always get what you’ve always gotten.” (Ahern, 1981). In an effort to improve all work relationships, I will keep in mind the word of Robert Roberts “…gratitude tends to bind us together in relationships of friendly reciprocity, whereas resentment tends to repel us from one another, or to bind us in relationships of bitter and hostile reciprocity…” (Howells, 2012, p. 93). Surely, a pleasant relationship with all staff and students must lead to better outcomes for us all? I shall endeavour to approach 2017 with a gratitude practice, such as suggested to Claire “..to welcome any complaint – whether it be negative or proactive – and consciously greet it with a smile.” (Howells, 2013, p. 108) – but will adjust it slightly to ‘consciously greet any negativity with a smile’ and look for the good in others.

Ahern, Tom (1981, October 24). Search For Quality Called Key To Life, (Quote Page 5, Column 5), In The Milwaukee Sentinel. Retrieved January 12, 2017 from http://quoteinvestigator.com/2016/04/25/get/

Howells, K (2012). Gratitude in Education: a radical view. Rotterdam: Sense.