Quotes of the Day - On Gratitude
It is Thanksgiving break - a few days to eat, reflect and be thankful.
I am thankful for what life has given me so far. I will always be thankful to my parents, my wife, my business partner and a few of my long-time close friends. They helped shape who I am and how I view the world. They provided needed boosts when I was down and they cheered for me when I hit my stride. I owe to my brother and sister for their caring and connections. I am also grateful that I have had many great teachers and mentors at school and work. They taught me the knowledge and skills needed to survive and to perform my best. And I owe many people whom I can’t even remember who have touched my life and provided great help when I needed it.
There is a Chinese saying, “Those who know how to be content with what they have are the ones with lasting happiness.” In other words, the secret of happiness really lies on how you perceive your world.
In the book, If Life is a Game, These are the Rules, author Dr. Cherie Carter-Scott suggests a few ways to cultivate gratitude that certainly apply here:
- “Imagine what your life would be like if you lost all that you had. Like George Bailey in the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”, this will most surely remind you of how much you do appreciate it.”
- “Make a list each day of all that you are grateful for, so that you can stay conscious daily of your blessings. Do this especially when you are felling as though you have nothing to feel grateful for. Or spend a few minutes before you go to sleep giving thanks for all that you have.”
- “Spend time offering assistance to those who are less fortunate than you, so that you may gain perspective.”
- “Look for the gift in each challenging incident.”
One of the chapters in the book has a nice summary: “However you choose to learn gratitude is irrelevant. What really matters are that you create a space in your consciousness for appreciation for all that you have right now, so that you may live more joyously in your present moment.”
As an Estonian Proverb puts it, “Who does not thank for little will not thank for much.” Charles E. Jefferson also said, “Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies.” In our desire of owning more and achieving more, we tend to forget what we already own.
The bottom line is, count our blessings!
