After months of highly dynamic and intense political campaigns, natural disasters, and inflation fluctuations, we arrive at the month of gratitude and the threshold of a departing year and the eve of a new one.
For me, November is one of the best months, and a fitting season to reaffirm the need to practice more often one of the healthiest feelings and attitudes we have: gratitude.
THANK YOU is one of the most universal words in the vocabulary across all languages and cultures. Its meaning transcends ideological, cultural, geographic, or other differences.
Gratitude is a universal sentiment with the power to convene, unite, mobilize, transform, and disarm the negativity and hopelessness of those who prefer complaints over thanks.
We should never tire of giving thanks and promoting gratitude as one of the best therapies for happiness and well-being. Though it may seem easy to practice, moments of gratitude are increasingly fading amid the rush of the modern world, where material things matter more.
Now, it seems there are more ungrateful people complaining about their lacks and the difficulties of daily life.
Ingratitude and failing to recognize the opportunities and lessons that everyday obstacles offer means surrendering to a life filled with frustrations, bad energy, and negativity.
Not practicing gratitude is a sure path to discontent because those who focus on what they lack rather than what they have—no matter how little—risk living an unhappy life.
Understanding that gratitude is much more than saying thank you or returning favors is the first step toward peaceful coexistence and feeling integrated into society.
Gratitude isn’t only expressed when receiving a benefit; it should be a constant attitude in daily life. Beyond being a courteous gesture, it conveys humility, respect, and consideration for others.
As we’ve stated in other articles, gratitude expressed sincerely and meaningfully has the power to disarm the spirits of so many fears, prejudices, and ill intentions.
So, beyond the holidays and gift exchanges, we must prepare with enthusiasm, positive energy, and great hope to practice gratitude as a daily and permanent habit.
Giving thanks for everything is never excessive. Whether for difficulties or blessings, a good harvest or a fruitless sowing, popular tradition teaches us that “everything happens for a reason,” and we must receive it with gratitude.
Waking up each day thankful for a new dawn and all the situations it brings is the best medicine for happiness and fostering more peaceful coexistence with others.
oma66co@gmail.com
By: Omaira Martínez
Colombian journalist
Image: Altonivel
