Living with a Grateful Heart
COUNTLESS WORDS have been written about gratitude and what it means to each of us. Personally, I find it most valuable when I see it put into action by others. I see gratitude in action when my neighbor mows my lawn, when another neighbor routinely brings in my trash receptacles, or when someone stops by upon hearing that a hard frost is coming to help cover my outdoor pipes so my water doesn’t freeze. These are little kindnesses I witness every day, extended freely with no expectation of anything in return.
Inspirational Thoughts on Gratitude
"Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayers, and let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good."
— Maya Angelou
"Living in a state of gratitude is the gateway to grace."
— Arianna Huffington
"Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance."
— Eckhart Tolle
"I am happy because I’m grateful. I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy."
— Will Arnett
"Always have an attitude of gratitude."
— Sterling K. Brown
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
— John F. Kennedy
"I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness—it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude."
— Brené Brown
"We learned about gratitude and humility—that so many people had a hand in our successes."
— Michelle Obama
GRATITUDE is both the feeling and the expression of appreciation for the good things in life. It stems from recognizing that we have only one life to live, and that how we choose to live it shapes our happiness. If you reflect on your happiest moments, chances are they arose from an act of kindness or from helping someone else. In life, we inevitably face difficult situations beyond our control. However, I believe that pausing to walk in the shoes of someone facing a tougher struggle can humble us and deepen our appreciation for what we have.
IN CONCLUSION, what is gratitude? It is a thankful response to kindness, gifts, or assistance from others. It is also an inner sense of wonder for nature, life, and everyday moments. Practicing gratitude helps us focus on what we have rather than what we lack.
Try journaling and writing down a few things you are thankful for each week, or send a heartfelt thank-you note to someone who has helped you. Choosing gratitude is a conscious decision. With the holiday season fast approaching, let us express gratitude and focus on helping others with open hearts. Doing so will enrich our lives and transform the way we celebrate.
~ LaVerne Wallace ( Co-Founder of SFFA )
