Pay It Forward

Part of  the problem, I think, is that we lack a sophisticated discourse to show appreciation because we are out of practice. It isn't something that comes naturally to most of us.

We like to think that we are our own creators and that our lives are ours to do with as we please. We take things for granted. We assume that we are totally responsible for all the good events that occurs in our way. After all, we have earned it. We deserve it. A scene from The Simpsons captures this mentality ; When asked to say grace at the family dinner table, Bart Simpson offers the following words " Dear God, we paid for all this stuff ourselves, so thanks for nothing." In one sense, of course, Bart has a point.. The Simpson family did earn their own money to buy their food. But on another level, he is missing the big picture. The grateful individual senses that much goodness happens independently of his actions or even in spite of himself.

GRATITUDE IMPLIES HUMILITY, which is a recognition that we could not be who we are or where we are in life without the contributions of others.

SAY IT

The best way to express your gratitude is by saying “thank you” in person. Do it in private often, and do it in public even more often. There’s no better way to make someone feel appreciated than to say “thank you” publicly.

WHY IS GRATITUDE GOOD?

First, gratitude strengthens social ties and cultivates an individual's sense of interconnectedness.

Second,,the power of gratitude is that it increasesone's sense of personal worth. When we experience gratitude, we understand  that the another person wishes us well, and in turn, we feel loved and cared.

Finally, because we are receptive beings, dependent on the help of others, on their gifts and their kindness. As such, we called to gratitude. Life becomes complete when we are able to give to others what we ourselves received in the past.

It is gratitude that enables us to receive and it is gratitude that motivates usto return the goodness that we have been given. In conclusion, it is gratitude that enables us to be fully human.