Like everyone else, I have challenges to overcome, plans I need to align with God's will (this
is actually the tasking part!), and of course, a lot of little stuff in between. Most pertinent is an issue I have to make peace with in few days. So when this
Lady who didn’t know me told me “You look good,” it was definitely well-received! I left home this morning late for work, with no make-up and a bit
down but suddenly with that compliment, I was grateful! I’d like to say gratitude
has worked for me. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is. No matter how
many pleasant things I do, if I‘m not grateful, I will always see things
negatively.
I'm trying not to sound like it's all that easy but here's the thing - If you're grateful and you think
life is going to get better, it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. But I know
some of us are just not wired to appreciate the seemingly little things. It's not like these kind of people are particularly ungrateful; their eyes are just set on bigger achievements.
That said, I
believe gratitude can be learned and that we can teach ourselves to see a
half-empty glass as half-full. All we have to do is dwell more on all
the things that have gone right for us, rather than those that have gone
badly. I discussed something similar in a
previous post – here.
You might as well know that dwelling on negative events can induce worry, impatience and even depression. However, the thoughts of your many 'small' blessings can help pick you up. If you are a religious person, simply take a moment out and be grateful to God for His everyday mercies. It could be anything from a rewarding conversation, to your teeth looking nice, or even that it didn't rain on you when you were out on a bike.
The bottom line is, whether you are a Christian, Muslim, Atheist or of any religious affiliation, a little gratitude wouldn't hurt. Give it a try today!
