According to Brother David Steindl- Rast, it is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful. Simply being grateful has been proven to bring happiness into my life? Sign me up! Throughout the most recent years, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to focus on myself and grow through self- reflection, meditation, and Brené Brown’s podcasts. ; ) One of the commonalities of my practicing self- awareness has been gratitude.
I thank God every day (several times a day) for the blessings in my life. I am grateful for food, water, shelter, health, and wealth. I’m also grateful for my family, friends, and the work communities around me. I have grown to show my gratitude for (what I believe are) negative circumstances. To be honest, I am still trying to understand and be as grateful as I can for those. I know everything happens for a reason, which is why I find myself trusting in a higher power.
Gratitude is demonstrating the feeling of being thankful. Unfortunately, I do not recall experiencing this emotion as a child, other than the mandatory mannerisms of “thank you.” It is recommended to prompt a child by saying, “What could you say to show your gratitude?” This returns the responsibility to the child for her to consider the personal feeling of gratitude and select her own choice of words.
At this very moment, I am experiencing joy because of my gratitude towards my Mighty Oaks home and family- especially the many blessings, which have come in the form of hardworking children and adults. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your life and you a part of mine.
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