“The soul that gives thanks can find comfort in anything, the soul that complains can find comfort in nothing.” – Gandhi
There is so much to be grateful for if we just learn to look for it. When we train ourselves to look at life from the lens of gratitude rather than disappointment, we find ourselves more at peace. When we focus on being grateful for things we have received in life no matter how small, the prevailing feelings of disappointment begin to recede and gradually disappear. What follows is a deep sense of gratitude. Expressing gratitude is a proven way to improve our lives and lift our spirits.
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It is often believed that having a nice luxurious life is necessary for happiness. This is not true. On the contrary we can be really happy when we are simply grateful for all we have. So it is being grateful that makes us happy and not being happy that makes us grateful. Gratitude and reverence for those around us unshackles us from toxic emotions. It helps us realize that we would not be where we are without the help of others. Life is a collection of moments. Being grateful simply means focusing on the opportunity and abundance around us rather than the negativity and our limitations. The More thankful I am the more beauty I am able to see around me. One begins to dwell in grace when we start to live with an attitude of gratitude.
A grateful heart is the fertile soil that allows relationships to bloom and grow. This happens when we focus on what we can give rather than what we can get without expecting reciprocity. The mind and body share a special connection that allows one to influence the other. Your attitude towards yourself and body shapes your physical health and conversely your physical health influences your attitude. When we concentrate on what we have we remain content and happy. When we begin to take stock of things we don’t have feelings of negativity, insecurity and unhappiness begin to engulf us. Giving thanks for things we have has the power of transforming our perception of the world and helps us live a more peaceful and tranquil life.
In the words of Cicero – “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues it is the parent of all other virtues”. People with positive attitude typically handle stressful situations better. It all starts with your thoughts: for a fact a heathy outlook to life leads to a healthy body. Being happy in all situations is a proven way to improve our lives and lift our spirits. Feeling grateful on a daily basis improves our positively creating sunshine in our life. Invariably this light rubs on to all we encounter.
Health practitioners often tell us that gratitude has the power to heal. This happens when we dwell on our blessings rather than shortfalls. An attitude such as this helps us to let go of our toxic thoughts and concentrate on our limitless power of our blessings and good will. Blessings must never be limited to our personal consumption but must be shared with all those we encounter on lives way. A grateful heart is always more sensitive towards people who are less fortunate, who are more than half the world’s population. It is easy to play the blame game and we all do it at times as it can be so comforting to take the pressure off ourselves.
We must learn to acknowledge and be grateful for our families, friends, neighbors, the roof over our head, the food on our table and clothes on our body. Never forget the good health you enjoy. Sickness is unfortunate and at times can cripple both body and soul and distance us from life. Never wait for things to change before we become thankful. We need to begin with thankfulness and watch things begin to change. A positive change in mindset makes our life more meaningful. In our human journey, we all need to love and give so let us be kind to one another and create better spaces & institutions around us.
When we look upwards there are no limits. Being grateful for the present moment is letting go of what we think of what our life is supposed to look like and celebrating it for everything it is. In the end it is not about what you have or what you have accomplished.
It is about who you have lifted up and who you have made life better for. It is about what you have given back to your creator and creation. For in our human journey we all, need love and grace. So lets us be kind to one another and create a better place. For we never truly know the struggles and battles that others undergo. Remember whatever we judge or condemn in another is a disowned part of ourself. Never compare yourself to another. Everyone has a different timeline and unique path.
An attitude of thankfulness is a precursor to happiness. It moves a person from pessimistic, depressive thoughts to feelings of joy and contentment. When gratitude becomes an essential foundation of our life, miracles start to appear everywhere. Even in the most challenging times it is possible to be grateful for our blessings. We may not be able to change the course of a situation, but we can always have the power to choose how we perceive and respond.
(The writer is a social scientist and is a senior practicing criminal lawyer)
