“Entitlement is such a cancer, because it is void of gratitude.” – Adam Smith
If you want to be a giver, the kind of person whose compassionate personality spreads a powerful glow, start with gratitude. When you’re thankful for the goodness around you, you can see life through a stronger, brighter lens that magnifies the blessings you receive daily.
To start on the journey of developing an attitude of gratitude, write down five things that you are grateful for in your life. Things that when you look at them, you realise that your life could have really been empty without them. When you do this exercise, don’t compare them to other people because that will distract you. Think about the air you breathe, the sunshine, the rain, your eyes, mouth, job, family, etc. This will surely change the lens through which you view life. When you do this on a daily basis, especially in the mornings, your days will be different. It is this attitude of appreciating that seems small and yet big that cultivates happiness and gratitude.
Maya Angelou said, “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer.”
You know, gratitude unlocks all that’s blocking us from feeling truthful, authentic, happy and vulnerable. Yes, though gratitude doesn’t change the scenery. It merely washes the lens you look through so you can clearly see the colours.
With the hustle and bustle of modern day life, too many people get it backwards. They decide they will be grateful when they get a promotion, a new job, a home, a new car, a raise, gifts or other tangible things from people they know. It is this backwardness that steals our joy in life. The world is a better place because you were born, shine your light.
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Get regular news updates sent directly to your inbox: Newsletter-Signup
