With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I started to consider what it really means to live “A Life of Gratitude”. [nbsp_tc]I don’t keep a Gratitude Journal, nor do I open my eyes each morning and offer thanks for the opportunity a new day presents. [nbsp_tc]In truth, it’s not something that registers consciously on my radar very often. [nbsp_tc]Does this mean I’m not a grateful person o
r that I take the good things in my life for granted? [nbsp_tc]I didn’t believe that was the case, but it gave me pause. [nbsp_tc]So, I decided to do a little research.
There is a significant amount of science out there related to the myriad psychological, physical, and social benefits that gratitude contributes to one’s life; and even more “How-To” articles dedicated to increasing your gratitude quotient. [nbsp_tc]But none of the studies I found addressed the innate source of gratitude in specific individuals. [nbsp_tc]Is gratitude a skill that we develop just by practicing, like riding a bike or learning to drive? Must we really be taught how to appreciate things in life? [nbsp_tc]Is it simply a matter of programming our neural pathways to intentionally focus on the positive in any given situation?
My quest for information led to more questions than answers, so I decided to examine my own social circle… specifically the people I believe truly exemplify the definition of gratitude.[nbsp_tc] One interesting commonality was that they each faced at least one extremely difficult challenge in life.[nbsp_tc] Through those challenges, they didn’t wallow in “Why me?” or succumb to self-pity, but they didn’t make a concentrated effort to be grateful or to look for the proverbial silver-lining either.[nbsp_tc] They just instinctively persevered, focusing on making the best of the situation and doggedly moving forward.
So, do I believe that gratitude is a learned behavior?[nbsp_tc] Not entirely.[nbsp_tc] I suppose it can be cultivated to an extent and making the effort is certainly worthwhile for all of us.[nbsp_tc] But it seems inherent to those who do it best and inspire us the most.[nbsp_tc] I guess they are the ones who don’t need to “practice” gratitude because they’ve already mastered it and made it a way of life.
In the spirit of the season, I would like to hear about someone you know who is truly living “A Life of Gratitude” despite their personal challenges.[nbsp_tc] You can nominate a friend, neighbor, family member, or co-worker and share their story in 750 words or less.[nbsp_tc] The most inspirational essay will be selected from all submissions received by 11:59pm EST on November 26, 2017.[nbsp_tc] The subject of the essay will receive a free 30-day Life Coaching package with our thanks for living “A Life of Gratitude”. [nbsp_tc]Happy Thanksgiving!
*Essay winner will be notified on December 1, 2017.
