Gratitude
– “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation
for and to return kindness.” Gratitude. A lost sentiment?
Today is World Gratitude Day, and I
must say, it’s one that I think a lot of people need to work on! As I grow
older, I fear that this act is lost on the generations following me. I’m even
more fearful that this has happened to my own and older generations as well.
You see, nowadays, I feel that everyone has this new sense of entitlement.
Everyone “deserves” things. No one makes the little gestures anymore, because
when they do, they aren’t appreciated. It’s sad. We (in the “developed world”)
should be grateful we have what we do. We have clean air, fresh water, and
basic human rights. We have social structures that provide us with education,
jobs, and support when neither of those are available. We have the freedom to
speak our minds, usually without legal consequences. Our possibilities are
endless. And yet, we act ungracious. We are unappreciative of these amazing
things, while millions around the globe lose their lives fighting for these
very same luxuries.
I had a friend who used to go on
and on about how the act of being grateful is dead. No one shows gratitude. It
would frustrate him. But, he himself was probably one of the most ungrateful
people I have ever met. Little gestures were lost on him; the larger ones were
expected. I’ve never experienced anything like this before. How can one argue a
lack of gratitude and not practice it themselves? I cannot tell you the hurt
this unappreciative attitude has caused me during our friendship. I used to
think it was something I had done; that I hadn’t done enough. I’d put myself
out for this friend’s comfort, and been told my gesture wasn’t sufficient.
Gratitude, I’m afraid, may very well be dead. But, that’s why today is so
important. We need to keep this act alive. We need it to build friendships,
communities, societies, countries, etc. We need it to bring the humanity back
to humans. We need gratitude so that we can better appreciate the little things
in life.
My Mother was one of the most
gracious people I have ever known. She taught me about being appreciative. And,
while I may not have always practiced it, as I get older I understand more than
ever just how important it truly is. I am grateful for the 28 years I had with
her before she was unfairly taken for me. I am grateful for the many laughs and
tears I was able to share with her. I’m grateful for the friendships she
encouraged me to build, and the people, as a result, who took care of me after
she passed. I am grateful for my brother and my step-dad, who love me for who I
am, and who have become my new reason to live each day. I am grateful for the
rain when it falls, and the sun when it shines. I’m grateful for the roof over
my head and the ability to provide food, water, and power for myself. I’m
grateful for the luxury of a university education. I am grateful for every
smile exchanged with a stranger on my walk to class, work, to meet with
friends, etc. I am grateful to be alive and to carry my Mother’s legacy along
my journey. I am grateful to be me.
The last words my Mother ever wrote
were “I am thankful for everything in my life.” I am grateful that this is how
she will forever be remembered.
What are you grateful for? Please vote
on the Daily Poll to let us know.
