Fostering Thankfulness: A Spirit of Gratitude
’Tis the season to be grateful. Fostering a thankful heart or spirit of gratitude can bring joy not only to you but those around you. This is the time of year to reflect on what we are grateful for this past year and look ahead to the joy and adventures that await us.
Change Your Perspective
During the last couple of years, the coronavirus has caused a global crisis affecting every nation and individual, irregardless of race, wealth, or social standing. Despite the medical, political, social, and economic unrest with job uncertainties, illness and loss, and isolation that came during this time, we each have so much to be grateful for as individuals and as a country. While it is so easy to focus on the negative around us, I challenge you to find one positive thing that happened in your life during this time. Many had career changes. Others took action to help others in need. And through the coronavirus, none can argue that it allowed us to reflect and be grateful for what we have, whether it be our health or time with others. Many found alternative ways to stay in touch with family and friends with the help of technology. This time encouraged us to be more health conscious and cherish the moments we do have with our loved ones. One of my favorite verses is 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (NIV). Although you do not have control over everything that happens in your life, you do have control over how you react to the circumstance. No matter the tragedy that is thrown into your life, when you look for the positive in the situation, you take the power away from the negative and give it to peace, hope, joy, and thankfulness.
Delight in the Little Things
From food on the table, a roof over our heads, and being surrounded by people we love and who love us… these are the things that we tend to take for granted but are what matter most. By finding delight in the little things that make our life whole, we give those things a deeper meaning and find purpose in our life. Living a life of thankfulness versus dissatisfaction brings a greater purpose and fulfillment in life. Keep in mind those who do not have their basic needs met, those who live with hunger, without a home, and do not have family or friends to turn to. As a child, whenever I would wine or show ingratitude towards something, I was reminded of those less fortunate.
Express Your Gratitude
There are many ways you can express gratitude towards another. It can mean so much just to say “thank you.” Tell someone why you appreciate them, recalling a specific action or deed. Give a token of thanks. It does not need to be an elaborate or expensive gift to show your thanks. Write a thank you card. The art of writing a card, especially in cursive, seems like a dying art; however, it is so special and personal when received.
Daily Reminders
Every day, remind yourself of one thing you are grateful for. There are a lot of fun ways you can incorporate this habit into your life. You can start a gratitude journal, a thankfulness jar, a sticky note walk, or write a reminder to be grateful on your bathroom mirror. Being thankful may not come naturally, but with practice and daily devotion, it can surely bring satisfaction to your life.
Benefits of a Grateful Heart
Being thankful is a precursor to indescribable joy and fulfillment in your life. A spirit of gratitude is medicine to the soul. Speaking positively and expressing gratitude in turn positively affects your overall health and relationships. Just like negativity breeds negativity. Having a grateful heart will in turn bring more positivity into your life.
