Being Grateful Is The Foundation of True Happiness

In a world that often seems focused on negativity, it can be easy to forget the importance of being grateful. However, the truth is that being grateful is the foundation of true happiness and so we need to cultivate it, even and especially in view of all the negative things happening around us. In fact, when we take the time to appreciate the things we have in life, we can experience a sense of joy and contentment that cannot be found through material possessions or other external factors. As I try to find gratitude every day, I wish to share why being grateful is so important and how we can cultivate a sense of gratitude in our own life.

Firstly, being grateful allows us to focus on the positive aspects of our lives. When we take time to appreciate the good things in our lives, we are less likely to dwell on the negatives. This shift in focus can help us to feel more content and at peace with our lives, even in the midst of challenging times. It can also help us to see the good in others, which can foster stronger relationships and a sense of community.

I remember a few years ago, I was living through a difficult experience and challenge. I thought my world was ending and I felt powerless and discouraged. But then I thought of the many good things I had received and enjoyed in life, beginning with wonderful parents that had given me the attention of my life. And I began to be grateful for all those blessings and a sense of positive realignment started to rekindle in me. The challenge did not go away miraculously, but I felt a new energy that allowed me to see through a different perspective, which gave me the help I needed to overcome it.

Secondly, gratitude can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. When we are focused on what we don’t have or what is going wrong in our lives, we tend to feel more anxious and stressed. However, when we shift our focus to what we do have, we can experience a sense of calm and relaxation. This can help reduce the negative effects of stress on our bodies and minds, leading to better overall health and well-being.

Many years ago when I was in university, I had to pass an oral exam to keep my good grade average and secure an annual bursary once again. My parents could not afford the tuition costs and I needed that bursary to continue my studies. This course was a bit complicated and I felt I was under a lot of pressure to perform in a way that I could secure a sufficient mark to keep my grades at the level needed. The pressure was consuming me. I was studying every day for many hours to reach my goal, but the uneasiness and stress would not go away. The day before the exam, I felt I needed to reflect on the fact that I was indeed blessed to even have the opportunity to go to university when my parents could not afford it. I spent the day not studying but enjoying nature and reflecting upon and being grateful for the many good things in my life. I spent time at the park soaking in the beauty of nature and the peace that being in the moment would bring. The following day, as my name was called and sat in front of the three professors that were examining me, the one in charge simply said to me: “talk about your favourite part of this course.” I did, and they did not ask me anything else and gave me an A+ mark, and by doing so, secured my bursary again. 

Thirdly, being grateful can help to cultivate a sense of resilience. Life is full of challenges and setbacks, but when we are grateful for what we do have, we can develop a sense of strength and resilience that allows us to bounce back from difficult times. This can help us to persevere through challenging situations and come out on the other side stronger and more capable than before.

My professional life was by its nature a challenging one. I was subject to political pressure and public scrutiny. Many times, I had to keep the strength and stamina to stay the course and do what needed to be done. Many times, the pressure was so strong that I felt I did not have any option but to quit. In those moments, my intense gratitude for my family and even having a job was sufficient to keep me going. Perseverance is indeed a product of gratitude.

Fourthly, cultivating gratitude can help us to cultivate empathy and compassion for others. When we are grateful for the people in our lives and the things they do for us, we are more likely to extend kindness and compassion to others. This can lead to stronger, more meaningful relationships and a greater sense of connectedness with others.

Have you ever had a negative first impression of someone without knowing that person well? It has happened a few times to me. However, most of the time those impressions are wrong. I remember once I received a phone call from someone at the hospital. I had had dealings with this individual and thought he was a bit strange in my mind. Yet this man called me in his time of need. I went, I listened, and I provided compassionate service, and that changed my perspective and made me grateful for the opportunity and for him. Gratitude can open doors to understanding indeed.

Finally, being grateful can help us find a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. When we appreciate the good things in our lives, we can feel a sense of gratitude and purpose that goes beyond material possessions or external achievements. This can help us to find greater meaning and fulfillment in our lives, even in the midst of challenging times. 

In conclusion, being grateful is the foundation of true happiness. When we take time to appreciate the good things in our lives, we can experience a sense of joy, contentment, and peace that cannot be found through material possessions or other external factors. So if you want to cultivate a sense of happiness and well-being in your own life, start by focusing on the things you have to be grateful for. You may be surprised at just how much happiness and fulfillment you can find by simply being grateful for what you already have. Author David Steindl-Rast has dedicated his entire life to the study of the effect of gratitude in our lives and he has concluded: “It’s not happiness that makes us grateful; it’s gratitude that makes us happy.”

Thank you for being in my life!

asd