Gratitude ’26

“Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: It must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all.”  William Faulkner

This week’s conversation is about gratitude, and this quote is certainly though provoking for me. 

For me, gratitude could improve one’s life, and I have certainly observed this in my own life and that of my clients.  What you focus on, grows.  When you look for the negative things in life, that is all that you see.  When you search for the glimmers and what brings you joy, this also flourishes and changes your perspective on life and what it provides. 

At first, it may be difficult to find those things that you are grateful for.  Originally one of my clients could only find the family to be grateful for.  Over time, once this new muscle was strengthened, he was able to find more things.  Initially he was advised to write three things daily in his diary and this practice assisted in finding more reasons to keep going, despite his mental illness. 

We all have dark days or moments, when life presents itself and we need to find more strength to go on.  A more positive mindset assists us to bounce back quicker, which in turn assists us to heal and/or recover.

Gratitude is an amazing tool; it assists both people – the giver and the receiver.  It changes both and can be transformative for both parties.  It provides connection, happiness and empathy.  Whilst we often provide items or services to our family and friends, the simple act of smiling to a stranger or receiving the same, can life a mood.  Can you remember the impact of a surprise gift or a smile?  It can certainly change and make your day.

A thoughtful message or handwritten card can also be such a beautiful moment.  I recall receiving a card many years ago from a client I had assisted when I worked as a financial counsellor.  The message was lovely and it really touched me, the time that they took out of their day to say thanks.  Whilst they were expressing their gratitude for the service, it was a lovely gesture to receive, and the gratitude worked both ways. 

Perhaps gratitude needs to be charged, like electricity, to provide sufficient energy to share?