The Art of Thankfulness
With the world spinning at warp speed, sometimes we lose sight of things that are and should be “basic.” Being thankful is one of them. Here are a few examples of things that are easy to overlook and be thankful for.
This morning the sun was shining and the buds on the tree were getting ready to burst with spring – for this I was thankful. I thought about the gourmet coffee I was sipping, and realized how fortunate I was to: A). Be able to afford a designer cup of coffee B). Have a variety of gourmet coffee shops to choose from. Being the coffee snob that I am, I was truly thankful!
Sometimes being thankful for simple things may seem silly – but it’s not. Imagine if those simple things (like a good cup of coffee or the first blooms of spring) were taken away!
I thought about my recent trip, seeing a relative I hadn’t seen in 3 years due to Covid. Those 3 years really got to me. But as hard as it was not being able to see him for such a long time, I am thankful that I finally got to spend some quality time with him. A magnificent blessing to be thankful for.
Do you have a doctor, care provider, veterinarian or someone else helping you through some tough obstacles and they have really gone out of their way to help you navigate through your problems? Send them a handwritten card or note and personally thank them for the positive impact they’ve made on your life. I know it would brighten their day and make them feel special and appreciated.
When was the last time you told a friend or relative how much you love them and what they mean to you? You are blessed to have them, be thankful.
Do you work or supervise employees that have done an outstanding job, making your own work day better? Yes, it’s their job and they get paid to be the best they can be – but they still deserve a special thank you.
Chances are there are a lot of people who weave in and out of your life – people you don’t really think about or know, who are making your life a little easier. One example I can think of is my trash day pick up crew.
Every week, our county’s trash crew is out in the rain, snow, heat, etc., hauling and lifting trash cans ALL day. Stop and think about it. It is a tough and tedious job. But somehow my garbage crew always manages a smile, a wave and a “good morning” as they lift up my heavy cans. I actually look forward to their cheerful greeting. I’m thankful for them and for fact that I don’t have to lug my trash to a local dump every week.
Make a conscious effort to make yourself aware of all the things surrounding you to be thankful for. It doesn’t matter how small or insignificant these blessings may seem – once you start thinking about them, you’ll realize that you have a lot to be thankful for.
Thankfulness is a positive mindset. Being thankful to God for all His blessings, both great and small, can help your life stay focused and stay on track.
Everything that is positive and good – no matter how insignificant it may seem, is truly a blessing – a blessing to be thankful for. No matter your faith or religion, go forward and be thankful. This is the Art of Thankfulness.