It’s a funny thing about life; once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things you lack – Germany Kent.
Making Pearls
Pearls, the beautiful jewelry adorned by women on their necks, wrists, and ears, are formed through a unique process. When an irritant like sand works its way into a species of oysters or clams, they secrete a fluid to coat the irritant. A luminant pearl forms as layer after layer of coating blankets the irritant. The irritant, intended to cause pain to the oyster, becomes a tool to produce a valuable commodity.
Unexpected Occurrences
Life has its share of irritants or circumstances that disrupt our lives and cause discomfort. Often, an irritant happens unexpectedly, making it more bothersome. When an irritant occurs, gratitude does not come naturally for most of us. We ask, Why me? Why this, and Why now? Our enthusiasm for life wanes. Instead of sticking with gratitude, we spin our wheels in the mud of complaints. Since life is never free of irritants, sticking with gratitude is crucial. When we choose gratitude, even the most difficult circumstances can become valuable.
When we choose gratitude, even the most difficult circumstances can become valuable.
Privilege versus Entitlement
Best-selling author Brene Brown says it best; “What separates privilege from entitlement is gratitude.” Complainers and grumblers, more often than not, view life through the eyes of entitlement. Self-preoccupation is their default. This lens makes it challenging to release gratitude when life’s irritants strike. Contrarily, appreciators, those who see life as a privilege, stick with gratitude. They are gratitude locators, able to find reasons to be grateful because they take nothing for granted. They view each day as a gift, and with gratitude, a positive effect happens in their souls.
Soul Expansion
Gratitude expands and energizes the soul. By harnessing the power of gratitude, you focus more on what you have than what you lack. Spending time on what you lack cultivates a scarcity mindset. It narrows your thinking and pulls your life to instant gratification instead of contentment. Through gratitude, you may discover the little things you have are more valuable than you thought. As author Robert Brault said, “Enjoy the little things for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” This realization energizes your soul where discouragement attempts to cast a dark shadow. The choice to be grateful is beneficial to every facet of your life.
Enjoy the little things for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
Robert Brault
Final Thought: When confronted with irritants, choosing to release gratitude by coating the irritant with layer after layer of reasons to be thankful keeps away the intention of the irritant to frustrate and demoralize you. Becoming intentional about sticking with gratitude creates value out of irksome circumstances. Practice gratitude daily. Approach each day with a positive attitude and view life as a privilege. Pledge to always be grateful. The pearl of a higher quality of life awaits the person who sticks with and releases gratitude. How will you release gratitude today?
Keep on Keeping on!
Discover Your Treasure 