The Art of Being Grateful!
Pic: Aminata Kamara
By Aminata Kamara
There is a famous quote by
Buddha, “Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.” So true isn’t it? We are alive, that is enough to be thankful for. Some people take for granted the air they breathe, the trees, the birds, the sea/ocean etc. We did not make these things, we did not put them here on earth, we are privileged to have them, God created them, so let’s all be thankful and grateful our lives and all that we are.I wake up every day feeling grateful and blessed for all the wonderful opportunities and challenges that will show up in my life. Yep, even the difficult challenges, I am grateful and thankful for. I don't believe that things happen by accident, everything happens for a reason or a lesson, it may not be clear or pleasant at the time but in the long run, it will all make sense.
If you are constantly thinking about the things missing in your life, I urge you to stop now! Nothing great will enter your life if you have an ungrateful attitude. Think about it, why should you not be grateful, you are alive aren't you? That is something special to be grateful for! If you are alive and just surviving, that's a different matter altogether, read my article on living your life purpose.
You know, sometimes I meet people who I probably have nothing in common with, even then I am grateful that they show up my life. To be grateful for something is to be mindful of it, to allow it to be a part of your thoughts and thereby dictate your actions. When you are grateful, you are thankful. When you are grateful, you are considerate. When you are grateful, you are at peace.To be grateful in life, all you have to do is to stay alert, watch your surroundings and not take life for granted. There are limitless opportunities everyday where we can exercise our thankfulness and gratefulness. From the seemingly insignificant things to the larger, more obvious reasons, we can practice being grateful, here are some tips:
1. Realise that just because you are alive this doesn't "entitle" you to certain things. Anything worth achieving is to be worked for and anything that is given to you is done so because the giver feels grateful ties to you in many ways. Respond to that feeling and give back.2. Practice being grateful on a daily basis! Go with the little things like please and thank you. This little practice will help keep you aware of the actions of others and their meaning towards you.
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