Gratitude—it's a concept you've likely heard championed by influencers, successful individuals, and spiritual leaders. Yet, it can often feel like an abstract, even daunting, idea. I want to share my personal insights on this “being humble and generous” practice, and how it has transformed my life.
As a member of Gen Z, I know firsthand how my peers often overlook or dismiss the value of practicing gratitude. Many feel too self-conscious or simply don't understand its importance. I used to be just like that. I would often overlook the kindness and efforts of those around me, feeling too shy to acknowledge their contributions.
Gratitude is not an extraordinary trait reserved for the holy or the nature enthusiasts. It's an inherent quality within us all, from the moment we are born. Although I had heard about gratitude from numerous famous personalities, I never really applied it to my life until my dad brought it to my attention.
When I started practicing gratitude, I noticed a gradual shift in my behavior. I used to be grumpy and disrespectful towards friends and elders, a common phase for many teenagers (I'm 16 as I write this). This behavior led to a lot of regret, a feeling I know many of us struggle with. Regret over words spoken in anger to my mom or a friend weighed heavily on me. However, this began to change once I embraced gratitude. I'm not claiming to be completely transformed, but I can see a positive change in myself.
Expressing gratitude can have a profound impact on your outlook and relationships. It helps cultivate a calm mind, a positive attitude, and genuine humility. By expressing your feelings of gratitude, you foster mutual respect and create lasting bonds. Gratitude not only enhances your personality and qualities but also strengthens your relationships with family, friends, teachers, neighbors, and anyone you interact with.
Start practicing gratitude with small steps. Compliment your friend on a drawing they made, or thank your mom for cooking your favorite dish. If you feel too shy, push yourself a little. Try writing down five things you appreciated about your day, such as a friend's help with a math problem: "I thank my friend XYZ for helping me with that quadratic equation." These simple practices, which take just five minutes of your day, can significantly improve your life. Initially, it may feel like you're faking it, but with consistent practice, it will become genuine.
I am still experimenting and learning. It hasn’t been long since I started this journey. I still occasionally say something rude to my family or friends, but these instances are decreasing. My friendships are growing stronger, and my relationships with my teachers have improved remarkably. This change is genuine and not an act.
Practicing gratitude is essential for self-improvement. As social beings, humans need to nurture good relationships with others. A calm mind is also crucial, especially for teenagers who need stability in their mental state and social circles.
I hope my thoughts resonate with you. Give it a try, adapt it to your style, and make it work for you. Feel free to reach out to me on WhatsApp; my number is on my homepage. Thank you for reading. Share your gratitude letters in the comment section below!
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