What is gratitude? Can it really make a difference in a person’s life? We are all familiar with these two words, thank you. Saying thank you is taught to most of us when we are very young, often before we are two years old, it is common etiquette. Yet how many people have been taught to truly be grateful throughout their day?
Several years ago I was going through some very tough times. I was feeling sorry for myself. I was reading a great deal searching for answers. I read somewhere that if we take the focus off our problems and instead focus on being grateful, that it will make a significant difference. I decided to jot down three things, at the beginning of each day, for which I was grateful for. I also made a point to stop and look around me. I began to notice the floral scents while taking a walk, I heard the birds singing, and I was aware of receiving a kiss on the cheek from one of my sons. By starting my day with gratitude and then being grateful for all the little things throughout the day, it seemed there was more to be grateful for each and every day.
Truth be told gratitude is a skill, a habit to practice. Just like a muscle that is exercised, grows, so does gratitude. Gratitude is a choice and in doing so it changes and empowers you. The more we are grateful the more things, people, and events present themselves for us to be grateful for. We begin to notice beauty that surrounds us. We notice the wonders of nature. The kind hearts of strangers. We in turn do more for others as well. Our energy shifts. It is a wonderous shift. So yes, it can make all the difference in a person’s life.
After an unbelievable 2020, during which we were tested in ways that nobody could have predicted. I look back at this very unique year. I am so very grateful for all of my blessings; I graduated top of my class and became a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist, I served the most clients thus far-positively impacting their lives, I connected more often with my family and friends, there was time for being more introspective, I read more books, I hiked more than previous years. Most importantly my Mother recovered from Covid-19 and everyone else I know remains healthy and safe. I am also truly grateful for the pause we were all given. Please share in the comments, all that you are grateful for this year.
Gratitude is the sweetest thing in a seekers life – in all human life. If there is gratitude in your heart, then there will be tremendous sweetness in your eyes.”
Sri Chinmoy