What are you thankful for?

“Thank you.”

Whenever I sincerely say those two powerful words, I realized a sense of good feeling wells-up within. Also, on numerous occasions, the person I am showing my gratitude to would beam a warm-hearted smile in return. In many instances, I would be asked: “What are you thankful for?” “What are you thanking me for?” If I have no immediate answer in mind, I would simply return a smile and say again the words: thank you!

Being thankful for everything and showing our sincere gratitude to people is actually an attitude. In fact, many of us who will survive, better yet, thrive; in this worsening global economic crisis are those who have learned to be thankful in any circumstances. No wonder, a “systematic study of gratitude within psychology” is gaining popularity in recent years. Why? Because, as Melody Beattie puts it aptly:

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

So, what are you thankful for? Why do you need to put on an attitude of gratitude?

Perhaps, the following prayer below that I chance upon while doing my keyword study for one of my posts, will give you a basis or sufficient reasons why you need to be grateful always:

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings, thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible, thank you, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned and tempers are short, my children are so loud, thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous, thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest, thank you, Lord, for life!

What’s our take?

“To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kind that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude.” ~Albert Schweitzer

Thank you for taking the time to read, and for your most valued comments.

Namaste!