On Gratitude
This week it seems like everywhere I turn, I’m reminded of the power of gratitude.
Gratitude has come up in a few different books I’m reading, I’ve seen it in Youtube videos, and then yesterday while doing a meditation in Sam Harris’ “Waking Up” app, I heard it AGAIN.
And that’s where it really stuck, and I knew I had to share this message.
Because I don’t know about you, but growing up, being grateful was almost made to be a punishment.
“You should be grateful you’re getting anything at all”
Or
“Finish your dinner. There are kids in other places that are starving!”
…How many kids, after having that thrown in their face, have ever been like:
“You’re right Mom! Let me scarf down these brussels sprouts!”
Yeah… didn’t think so.
The intention isn’t wrong, it’s just a terrible delivery.
But all these years later, as I listened to Sam Harris speak on gratitude, he said something that hit me hard.
I’m paraphrasing here, but essentially
“There are at least a billion people, who would consider their prayers answered if they could switch places with you”
Think about that for a second… Our seemingly mundane lives that we complain about, (and maybe take for granted), would be like heaven on earth to other people.
He goes on to mention the people who are stuck in a warzone, or have lost their families, or who have been diagnosed with a terrible chronic illness, or who face the worst forms of poverty.
(A poverty most people in a first world country can’t even fathom.)
But this isn’t an exercise in guilt, beating yourself up over how much better you have it than others. No, it’s an exercise in gratitude.
It’s realizing how amazing it is that you were able to get yourself up out of bed this morning.
That you’re not in a war torn country.
That you still have your family.
That you have a job, electricity, water, a fridge full of food, and so on.
Unless you are living the worst life possible, there is always something to be grateful for.
When you take time to count your blessings, it truly is life-changing. You feel different about your job, your spouse, your kids, your friends, even your body.
Maybe you’re working on losing weight and you’re not happy with how you look right now… but how beautiful is it that your body is healthy enough to get you to the gym, and to improve?
But the best part is gratitude not only makes you feel better, but it actually changes your brain.
There are countless studies on gratitude that show simple things like writing a thank you note, keeping a gratitude journal, or praying and meditating on things you’re grateful for provides a significant and lasting effect on happiness.
The more you express gratitude, the happier you’ll feel, and the more you’ll have to be grateful for.
I’ve taken this advice to heart, and I try to spend some time each morning meditating on what I’m grateful for. For amazing family, for my home, my health.
I set a short timer (1-5 minutes), close my eyes, and think of things I’m grateful for.
It reminds me of all the good in my life, and it’s a reminder not to take anything I have for granted.
So what about you?
What do you have to be grateful for?
Write it down, meditate on it, or tell the people you love how grateful you are for them.
And remember — The more you express gratitude, the more you’ll have to be grateful for.
Lastly, I’m grateful to you. For reading my work, supporting me, and taking this journey of self improvement right alongside me.
I’ll see you back here, same time next week.
Thanks again for reading,
— Josh