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With Overflowing Gratitude
Everywhere one looks and with every breath we take, there are overflowing reasons to express gratitude! Reality what it is, however, how often do any of us really express our gratitude enough? Maybe, today is the perfect time to reflect on the many relationships, circumstances, privileges and opportunities we have for which to be grateful.
My husband and I recently vacationed overseas with our last travel ports taking us to the coast of India. We had seen the movie, Slum Dog Millionaire, and while we knew we’d be exposed to heartbreaking conditions during our 3 city tour, I had no idea, how awful seeing ‘first hand’ abject poverty would be. It was very emotional. The toxic air, crowded conditions, street people living along the sidewalks, beggars and unending and loud noise are just some of the shocking experiences we had. When I discussed this with our guide who had completed her undergraduate studies in the states, her comment totally threw me. “While you might be witnessing conditions unlike anything you’ve seen before, the people of India are happy.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Happy? How can that be? She went on to share that Hindus have strong faith and remain close to one another. They are peaceful and loving people who are grateful for what they have. Can you imagine? To us, as sightseeing intruders, they appear to have so little. And yet, their life speaks of ongoing gratitude. I’ve given a lot of thought to this since we returned. While I often acknowledge gratitude for many things in my life, I have definitely increased awareness of and expressions of gratitude since our India experience. Who among us have more than what others can only imagine? Are you blessed with health, with financial assuredness, friendships, family, meaningful work or volunteerism, self-respect, opportunity, a safe and clean residence, nourishing food and everything else that comes with quality of life? Of course you do. We all are blessed. The Question to Consider How often do you express gratefulness to your spiritual source? Do you acknowledge gratitude for a car that works, a refrigerator full of food, a warm bed, your livelihood, safety, support? Do you express gratitude for the people you love and who love you, freedom and the freedom of choice? Are you grateful to those individuals who on a day to day basis play a specific role in your life? They can include the bank teller, the supermarket clerk, the individual who takes in your dry cleaning, your favorite mechanic, hair stylist or provider of your lawn service. Imagine life without those we take for granted! Can you even begin to consider life without all the luxuries and conveniences on which we rely? During the Summer we had a few power outages (we were very lucky with only a few!) and what an inconvenience! No phone. No electricity. No computer access. No television. No reading light. While it wasn’t easy, of course we survived. And, we sure felt grateful when our household got back to normal. In fact, I don’t think I ever expressed gratitude before for the joy of having electricity – I sure did when the lights went back on. We all know the expression that goes something like this: “You don’t really appreciate something enough until you lose it.” Well, I do think it’s time for all of us to take a look at our privileged lives and express gratitude frequently and at every turn. My car is 12+ years old and I thank it every day for running, for my safe travel and efficiency! I’m grateful to have L A Fitness nearby so I can work out easily and conveniently. Maybe, you, too, needed this gentle and heartfelt reminder to appreciate everything in your life while you still can. It’s one of those small, seemingly insignificant gestures that multiply over time – giving you more and more reasons to be grateful. Being grateful will always remain as one of the pure pleasures of life. Don’t miss out. Is this helpful? Please let us know in the comments your thoughts on this as well as other ways we can help you with your career and training.  Authored by: Bonnie Ross-Parker, The Joy of ConnectingYou can contact Bonnie at bootgirl@TheJOYofConnecting.com or 770.333.7923 blog comments powered by Disqus |