Written by Sweety Vyas
Gratitude invites abundance in our lives. We develop an optimistic outlook on the future. Every joyful day brings yet another joyous one. A life filled with thankfulness generates amazing energy. This increases our self-confidence. It results in attracting more abundance. If we are constantly thinking about what we lack, we cannot enjoy our life. The negative energy enhances further negativity and our life becomes even more miserable. Unhappiness and sadness cannot result in joy…it is not possible.
Being grateful is the foundation of spiritual growth. If we seek connection with the divine, we must begin with gratitude. Without being thankful we cannot receive. By being grateful, we can be happy in any circumstance. We should develop equanimity and thankfulness both in victory and defeat or in honor and dishonor. Every difficult situation can be a learning experience if we have a grateful heart. It can make us tolerant, help us grow and achieve our true potential. Throughout this journey of life, we meet many different types of people. Some people will love us regardless of what we do. Some can be a challenge and create disturbance with their words and actions. Everyone who is a part of our life has a role to play and is there for a reason. Some are there to teach us valuable lessons. We need to value everyone’s contribution.
Gratitude should be consciously practiced every day. It is a skill that can be learned with practice. Writing a gratitude journal is a great idea. Particularly in difficult times, if we write about a few things that we are thankful for each day, it helps to lift our spirit. It can transform us. It is amazing how our outlook can change within a few days. We can realize how fortunate we are. This is because when we document our blessings, we realize that we have much to celebrate about. We are better off than millions of people who may not have food on the table, may be very sick and may not even live to see another day. Just being alive is truly a miracle and worth celebrating about.
We can be thankful in all circumstances, whatever they may be. Maya Angelou sums it up in a simple and delightful way in her book Letter to My Daughter –
“The ship of my life may or may not be sailing on calm and amiable seas. The challenging days of my existence may or may not be bright and promising. Stormy or sunny days, glorious or lonely nights, I maintain an attitude of gratitude. If I insist on being pessimistic, there is always tomorrow.
Today I am blessed.”
Let us be grateful and thrive!