With the holidays approaching, have you noticed that there is a more positive feel and energy around us. People definitely seem happier. I believe it is because people are starting to think of what they have to be thankful for and are appreciating what they already have.
Why does appreciation make such a difference in our lives? Why would this man of science and of God in this video "prescribe" gratitude as the cure to the ills in our society?
For many years, we have lived in ever increasing prosperity. But when children are immediately given what they want, but have not earned, they lose the ability to appreciate what they have. More and more, people's lives have focused on acquiring more things. Spouses focus their energies on their own careers, and their own accomplishments. Little energy is left for their marriage and family.
As people myopically focus on their self, pride has increased, and satisfaction has diminished. People are more concerned with things and less with relationships. They are less willing to admit errors and to change which, of course, makes it more difficult for them to deal positively with their problems.
Gratitude truly is the antidote to the poison of pride. Appreciating what we have helps us realize how much God loves us and to see all the kind things others do for us. It helps us be open to the good and willing to learn and to change. Gratitude opens our hearts to light and hope. This not only encourages us to nurture our relationships, but it gives us the strength to face challenges. When we are still and notice all that we have been given, we realize that our lives have much good in them. We see that we are not alone and can allow others to help us.
Gratitude keeps our love alive and prevents our soul from shriveling into a hard clinking cinder. It helps us realize that happiness is not dependent on how much we have or achieve, or on having more than someone else. Happiness is not even determined by our daily number of social contacts, but on the love we give others and on appreciating what we have.
Gratitude enlarges our hearts and minds. It helps us to humbly accept who we really are and clearly see and deal with our challenging times. It neutralizes selfishness, prejudice, and hate. It opens our hearts allowing us to ask for God's help and to share our talents and resources with others. Appreciating all we have is truly what we need to do to heal our society at this time.
Here is a good site on the effects of Gratitude by Harvard Health.
Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. ... Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. People feel and express gratitude in multiple ways.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
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