Thoughts on Gratitude - Annual, 2021

Abundantly Grateful

USA - 2006

Gratitude, the Source of Thankfulness

I am confident that each of us has reasons to be grateful. 

Most importantly, I know that many of our blessings are divinely ordained. Each of us, in our own way, can express that very special form of gratitude. 

Beyond the miracle of life itself, there are persons that each of us can think of that warm our hearts and cause us to smile. We have been graced by their benevolence. We think kindly of them. 

Sometimes, we are able to thank them personally and express our heartfelt gratitude. To do so brings joy to those who have given of themselves for our benefit, as well as satisfaction to ourselves.

We know them as family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances. Then there are those we do not know, but they know who we are. Sometimes they manifest their goodwill toward us even as we are unaware.

Each has their unique version of goodwill that benefits each of us…and vice versa.

Grace and Goodwill

It is rewarding to those who have graced us with their goodwill, to affirmatively express our gratitude to them…abundantly, frequently.

To express gratitude costs nothing, yet the rewards to the recipient and giver are beyond measure.

We often desire to do so, but often the demands of life seem to minimize our best intentions so that they fade from our minds’ vision.

So it is, that this wondrous holiday is a kind reminder of those to whom we are grateful.

Gratitude and Thankfulness. For What...or Who?

The origin of the word gratitude is the Latin noun gratus which means thankful or pleasing.

Gratitude is a state of mind and heart. It is the source feeling that motivates us to express it in various ways. A common form is to give thanks, itself an expression of gratitude.

To gracefully express genuine gratitude is a core gesture of appreciation and goodwill toward someone else.

By being more conscious of the significance of what we express to others, we are able to reorient ourselves from passive awareness to a more affirmative form of grateful expression.

As we do so, it is important to have clarity of how we direct our gratitude. Sometimes, it may seem natural to express our gratitude for something.

Upon reflection, the idea of being grateful for something seems to be a mirage. More accurately, gratitude is really directed to a being, divine or human, who made something possible for our benefit.

It is often that such things are intertwined with our achievements. With enhanced clarity, we are more able to feel a sense of proper pride. That is to say, one that is a balanced blend of healthy pride and humility. This facilitates our recognition that our triumphs are to be shared with others, as usually they are not the result of solitary creation. 

Which leads me to feel gratitude for so many, for so much.

My Gratitude, My Thank you

Each day and certainly on Thanksgiving Day, I express my heartfelt gratitude to so many of you that in one way or another support my endeavors to fulfill my purpose in life…to improve the human experience.

Gratefully, Happy Thanksgiving!

PS: By the way, do you want to learn more from me about how to get the most out of your life now and begin to prepare for your End of Career Transition as well as the next great phase of your life? I would like to help you. I provide consulting and coaching services that are tailored to your specific needs. Click here to apply for a complimentary consultation.

Beauty in Reciprocity

Sierra Nevada - 2018