The Essence of Gratitude

Since this is Thanksgiving week - tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day - I'm thinking about the essence of gratitude.  What does it mean to be thankful?  What does it mean to have gratitude? 

I'm very thankful for many things.  I'm thankful for my family and friends.  I'm thankful for Patrick - and for Winston, too.  I'm thankful for my colleagues and my students as well as the clients that I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with over these past 30 years.  But is simply being thankful the same thing as having the essence of gratitude?

I know that as thankful as I am for the people in my life, I haven't always exhibited the essence of gratitude where they are concerned.  Sometimes I haven't had the patience that I needed to have.  Sometimes I haven't taken the time to listen as intently as I needed to.  Other times I was much too quick to end a conversation that could have continued.  Still other times I could have said "yes I can do that" instead of "no, I just can't make that happen."

I think the essence of gratitude begins with realizing that life is short and precious and we need to make sure that every single day is as peaceful for us and for those who walk with us as we can possibly make it. 

I think the essence of gratitude is expressed in how we live, in how we treat each other - strangers as well as family and friends.  We must live in congruence with our beliefs.

I think the essence of gratitude is also expressed in fairness and equality.

I think the essence of gratitude is never time-bound.  By that I mean that we should possess an essence of gratitude not only at holiday times but every single day we live.  I believe we should thank God for our blessings.  And I think we should also say thank-you to everyone who does anything for us.  I want to exhibit the essence of gratitude everyday from this moment forward. 

Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope you and your family, friends and loved ones enjoy time together.



Sara Fitts is the founder and owner of SLF Consulting.  Please visit us online at http://www.SLFConsulting.com .  Sara is a teacher, coach, motivator, mediator, and consultant.