Gratitude for Everything?
It is unrealistic to be grateful for everything.
While listening to a master monk, I discovered that we are expected to be grateful in all things. He implied that we should be grateful even as we face horrific happenings and dark times. In challenging times of hurt, disappointments, and loss, he stated we should remain in a constant state of gratitude, and withstanding, we would become mentally stronger, spiritually wiser, more patient, and thereby, truly grateful. Easy talk for a man who has already mastered losses and sufferings.
I am reminded of the things that have happened to people in my life and all the others who are not responsible nor did they cause these hardships. They do not find, and I agree, many difficulties within their happenings for which to be grateful. No matter how hard I tried to be grateful, no amount of gratitude could be found within me to give thanks for some atrocities I know of — or have heard of — happening to humans.
We can be grateful that unhappiness did not happen to us; but, if it is wrong, bad, or unnecessary, there is no appreciation for what happened. Cheerlessness in the face of adversity does not equal ungratefulness. Pain, sorrow, and losses are not empathetic to gratitude and neither is gratitude able to dissolve the void these life challenges bring. Understandably, we may not be grateful every time for everything we experience.
I am grateful, daily, for many things: a house to live in, clothes to change into, food to eat, abilities and talents, loving and smart people who I know and love, paved roads to travel in vehicles on, running water, delivery services, and a deluge of various abundances. I can think of millions of things I am grateful for and billions of them I can complain about. Yes, I sometimes find reasons to complain and forget to be grateful.
After researching and studying I have discovered that The Science of Gratitude explores its importance and believes that “gratitude isn’t just a pleasant feeling, it can also support greater health, happiness, and wisdom.” I agree with the research as it pertains to challenges I've overcome through simple appreciation. Even when things are bad…
“Gratitude is a duty which ought to be paid, but which none have a right to expect.” ~Jean-Jacques Rousseau
I am grateful to present my first contribution to Soul Magazine (30-day Gratitude Challenge for November). As gratitude continues to reach out, I will begin by thanking Katherine Myrestad for accepting me to post on her new publication, Vinitha Dileep for a challenge to write about Gratitude and all the writers who have posted gratitude stories.
Despite my complaints about not always feeling grateful, I have mentioned some reasons and times that I am truly appreciative and thankful.
Showing recognition and a sense of obligation helps me to the point of thankfulness for those I love, forming stronger connections.
When I give myself acknowledgment for making healthier food choices, I feel gratitude in knowing I am dieting the way I should so that I remain healthy as I age.
I tip my hat to those small moments of beauty when I rise early and see the golden pink light just before the sun emerges, breaking the day.
I also find gratitude in the credit, regard, and respect for the many writers read daily here on this platform. Some have brought laughter, insight, and deep thoughts, just as some have encouraged and enlightened my writing journey.
I would like to share just a few (there are many more) names of some creative, well-scripted, and entertaining authors and writers who have supported my writing efforts in several encouraging and inspiring ways: Julius Evans, Henery X, Gerald Washington, Benighted, Annelise Lords, [email protected], Toni The Talker, Katherine Myrestad, Dr. Gabriella Korosi, Shanté Nixon, Tovah Rainsong, Carmellita, Justiss Goode | Story Curator, Grace Bianco, Ashllyn T.
“Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.” ~ Gertrude Stein
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