A few years ago, gratitude became trendy. Oprah started talking about gratitude journals, boxes, and notebooks. And Rhonda Byrne espoused in The Secret that we should focus on what we want and be grateful for what we have as a means to acquiring more material rewards – a better job, a new car, a diamond ring. Gratitude was supposed to be the answer to a happier life, better sleep, vibrant health, and material wealth.
It was around then that I became a tad cynical about gratitude.
Maybe instead of sitting around jotting down our thanks for everything, we should be devoting ourselves to improving our health care and criminal justice systems. Or maybe we should be spending those gratitude-journaling hours working for people in the third world who don’t even have running water or a reliable food supply. And we certainly shouldn’t pretend that kids growing up in the slums of Delhi or Mumbai could be rich if they just learned to be more grateful.
Maybe I’d give up on gratitude all together.
But, as it turns out, I have a pathetically grateful disposition. I can’t seem to turn it off. My cat dies, and I immediately think of how thankful I am to have had eight years with him. My husband’s hours get cut back at work, and my first thought is how fortunate we are that he got a cost of living increase this year. My son wakes me up in the middle of the night, and I lie awake just feeling glad that I get to know him. I fear that someone’s playing self-actualization affirmations while I sleep.
In all seriousness, of course, we can be grateful for what we have while working toward a better world. And remembering our fortunes unquestioningly brings more joy to our lives, which is a worthwhile thing to cultivate. But should we think of gratitude as something that could bring in a bigger paycheck or a new boat? I don’t think so.
Besides, with Thanksgiving a few days a way, it’s those simpler things in life that I’m feeling thankful for – like swings (or ga-gums as my son calls them), sunny afternoons, and backyards and all the creatures that inhabit them.
So here’s to gratitude, just because.
Happy Thanksgiving!
This post is for Steady Mom’s 30 Minute Blog Challenge.
* Read Part 2 of this Thanksgiving post (On Gratititude) here. *
#1 by renee @ FIMBY on November 24, 2009 - 7:48 pm
I love your gratitude, it’s a good thing!
#2 by Kim on November 24, 2009 - 9:16 pm
Yes, once you get in to the habit, being thankful/grateful, it’s hard to “not be!” But, being thankful is better than the opposite!
ADORABLE pic of your little guy in the swing!
#3 by Marianne on November 25, 2009 - 10:04 am
Gratitude as a means to getting more?!! Wow. That seems so blatantly double-speak that I am surprised it made it mainstream! Yuck.
That said, you are truly one of the most naturally grateful people I know, and I am quite glad to know you!
#4 by newurbanhabitat on November 25, 2009 - 7:54 pm
Ah thanks, Marianne. I would characterize you exactly the same way. Happy Thanksgiving!
#5 by Trish on November 25, 2009 - 9:32 pm
What lovely creatures you have! Especially the adorable one in the swing.
#6 by turnitupmom on November 29, 2009 - 8:11 pm
I think your pathetically grateful disposition is a gift. If someone really is playing self-actualization affirmations while you sleep, can you pass them along?!