The Gift of Gratitude

The old Yiddish proverb goes, “If you can’t be grateful for what you have received, then be thankful for what you have been spared”.

Those of you with children (and some without) would have stopped and observed how fortunate our kids are. You’ve no doubt listed some of the many things they have to be grateful for including the privilege of living in a great country, spared the tragedy of war, have access to excellent education, good health and health care when needed, loving parents who provide for their needs and wants, and the list goes on. You’ve also probably reflected on whether they appreciate all we have to be grateful for. At times you may have even thought, ‘Why the long face, when you have so much to be grateful for”.

Good fortune is arguably a gift bestowed upon us (while it does seem to favour the industrious). Gratitude however seems to be a gift we bestow upon ourselves. It improves our mental state and interactions with others. The attached is a really good reminder. I encourage you to read it and ask your kids to do likewise. Click here for the article.

Article and photo courtesy of Tufts University, Boston