Gratitude

Said to be the elixir of the soul...the active ingredient in happiness...perhaps even more important than diet in our longevity. But where does such a potent thing come from? On what does it feed? To be sprouted and sustained, what does it need?

For all of us, we rise each day with a set of expectations. With a sense of our personal forecast. For some, it is most often yet another day scheduled back-to-back with obligations and interpersonal interactions. For others, it is simply back to the task at hand where the previous day’s work was ended. For a few, the day’s slate is yet to be imagined – in some cases triggering relief and for others evoking dread.

Our expectations define our reality. Our intrinsic need to predict what is coming, to be in control, is at the core of being human. When things go as expected we are “grateful”. Thankful that all the other (or bad) things that could have occurred, on this day, didn’t. 

But gratitude is beyond this. Gratitude stems from the recognition, not of how “lucky” we are but to a deeper recognition of all the actors and agents on which we deeply depend. An understanding of our inter-dependence not on fate, but on community. To candidly see the important role that we play in shaping our own daily lives’ but while this is concurrently juxtaposed to the supersized role played by others. And perhaps to reciprocally see how important our actions and choices are on others' livelihood too.

Gratitude brings us from a feeling into action...to share recognition with those on whom we so deeply depend. To narrow our focus, to see more clearly how our lives cascade outward. To understand and refine the important role we play in the network.

We pride ourselves on our individualism. On what “we” can do or have done. On our scores, on our trophies, on our checked boxes. For these, we can be thankful for our personal gifts, on our resolve, and on our grit. Yet, the foundation that enables all that we accomplish, is the vast web of contributions made by others. Some who’ve come before us. And the vast numbers that surround us. We are amongst and depend on them. Many depend on us too.

2020 was a year like none other. For all those we lost, in our memories, they forever live on. For all those on whom we’ve depended, our gratefulness is truly sincere. In 2021, may the root, and evidence, of our gratitude, run even deeper as well. To be our 2021 superpower.

Join us,

OneAmazingThing

www.oneamazingthing.org/2021