Often when people succeed, there is a tendency to claim to be self-made. However, the truth is that no one reaches the peak of success without help. Once you set a definite goal and then take your first step towards achieving it, often you find yourself getting help from many sources, some completely unexpected. As a result, you need to be prepared to be thankful for both the divine and human help you receive. You must endeavor to live a life of gratitude for all the blessings you receive.
Gratitude is a simple but beautiful word that describes a state which enhances a person’s magnetic charm. It is like a master key that opens doors to the most divine personality and to the beauty of infinite reward. A life of gratitude, like other virtues of a pleasant personality, is only cultivated through habit. More than anything else, gratitude is a state of one’s mind. Unless you can truly feel the gratitude you want to express, your words will be empty. The sound that carries them will be as hollow as the sentiment you offer.
Developing a life of Gratitude
A life of gratitude is also a graceful life. If you consciously and constantly develop a state of gratitude, your personality will radiate immeasurably grace, dignity and an aura of peace. For this reason, you should never let a single day go by without spending a few minutes giving thanks for all the blessings you have received. Some people may argue that they are not blessed, that they have nothing to be grateful for. But this is not so. All you need to do to be grateful is to compare your current circumstances and events against what they might have been. If you do this, it will become clear that no matter how bad things seem or actually are, they could be much worse. This simple realization will open you to a life of gratitude.
Among the most common phrases in your daily conversations, these 3 should stand out. They are simple 2-word phrases namely thank you, I appreciate and I’m grateful. Take your time and find new and unique ways to show your gratitude.
Expressing gratitude
Expression of gratitude does not necessarily need to be in material gifts. Your efforts and time may be far more valuable as tokens of gratitude. It is the amount of these two that you spend in expressing gratitude that may be worthwhile.
Find creative ways to express your gratitude. Personalize it; make it work for you, make it something that is authentically you. Have you ever thought of one day writing your family and friends a simple thank you note? A simple note telling them how grateful you are for the help and opportunities they have offered. You will be surprised how such creative gratitude will catch their attention. They might even reciprocate or even play it forward because a life of gratitude is infectious. Most often when gratitude is shown to us, we find ourselves driven to express it to others.
As you express gratitude, be keen to be thankful especially to those closest to you. Those who you associate with daily, your spouse, relative or a colleague you work with, might be the ones who you neglect most when it comes to gratitude. Yet you are probably indebted to them more than you realize.
Benefits of a life of gratitude
When gratitude is spoken aloud, it takes on new life and power, it acquires a new meaning. Your family and loved ones probably know of your gratitude to them for helping and believing in you. Tell them anyway, and do so frequently. As a result, you will be surprised how warm your home becomes, how a new spirit will be born.
It is important to remember that there is always something to be thankful for. Gratitude costs you nothing, but is surely a very big investment in the long run.
Why don’t you challenge yourself today, to live a life of gratitude starting right now? Pick up your phone and call a friend or your parents. Call them now and let them know how much you appreciate them. Call your spouse or child; even better meet them face to face and say these simple words. THANK YOU.
