I know this is a trendy concept right now, but maybe there is something to it. I am working on feeling gratitude instead of impatience, frustration, and even anger. All those negative emotions were building up and I was not happy. I think it does make a difference with how I feel, emotionally, mentally, and physically. There were times I felt “sick” because of the negative emotion I was feeling. It makes sense that these are considered to be toxic, because that is very much how it feels.
And it’s not to say that it’s easy. I suppose it’s as the saying goes: anything worth having is worth working towards. Also, people are – and should be – a constant work-in-progress. If we learned it all by the time we were 20, or 40 or 60, what’s the purpose?
So everyday, at some point, I will find something to be grateful for. Some days it’s a struggle, but when I really focus on this thing, this idea, this moment where I can find something that brings me joy, that makes me appreciate what I have, what I can offer, what I do, then it grows. It can be something basic, like taking a shower. Yet how many people cannot shower. How many people cannot afford to shower, and/or don’t have access to a shower? Is the water always warm, like mine? Can they use pretty scented soap and shampoo, and enjoy the feel of a loofah all over their body? From there, it doesn’t have to stop. You can take those feelings and do something good with them. Volunteer at a homeless shelter, or donate funds. Buy these products and give them to places that need them. Raise awareness. Give something back.
So gratitude can start with just a feeling, and become something more. That’s why I feel it’s so important to experience it everyday. Because it becomes something tangible, and creates something amazing.
I’m sure I will be writing something more about Gratitude again. Perhaps where it’s taken me. What I’ve learned from it. How I can become more like the person I want to be.
What are you grateful for?