Home
What
Story and Why
How to
Tell
What's
New
Blog
Research
is Fun
Get
Started
Highlight
Site
Sample
Writing
Free
Newsletter
Articles
About
Contact
Us
Privacy
Terms
|
High
Five for Gratitude
By
Tom Gilbert - Copyright © November 26, 2014
Making a list of the top things
you are grateful for is always beneficial. I believe we should never
lose sight of those things in life that mean the most, that we cherish,
that are the true treasures by which we measure our wealth.
Around the Thanksgiving holiday it is traditional to gather family
together, eat a good meal, and take inventory of all we are grateful
for. I was thinking about what I am most grateful while, of all things,
walking my dog this afternoon. That can often be a chore, but today the
sun is shining, it's Thanksgiving Eve and I am counting my blessings.
As I contemplated the top things for which I am grateful I realized
that money didn't make the cut, at least not in the top five. And
believe me, although I know money can't buy happiness I could use a little
more on the bottom line. It is easy to stress about finances and it can
be hard at times to pay the bills. But, no, money isn't part of my
gratitude big five.
Here's where I weigh in on the top five.
#5 - Health. If you live long enough you will almost surely
have battles with fitness and other health issues. Many people have had
serious illness, disabilities or even life threatening diseases. I am
nearly sixty and still in pretty good health. I greatly admire those
who deal with chronic pain, disease (or just "dis - ease"),
or heathly challenges. Never take your health for
granted.
#4 - A place to live. Even better, a home. It's nice to have
somewhere you can go to that is your dwelling, your sanctuary, the
place to start and end your day.
#3 - Talent. Nobody is good at everything, but everyone is
good at something. Having a talent is a gift and not one to be wasted.
Can you draw, sculpt, make music or write? Maybe you have a knack for
numbers. Perhaps you are athletic. Being compassionate, a good
listener, a good speaker, a teacher, a gifted cook, charismatic leader,
builder or fixer are all terrific examples of talents.
#2 - Purpose. This goes hand-in-hand with talent. Use your talent for a
purpose; find a way to contribute to society and life that is
challenging and meaningful. If you have a job/career/vocation
that fulfills your purpose and uses your talent then you are very
blessed.
#1 - Love. We all want to love and be loved. Family, a partner, good
friends, love of nature, the deep spirituality that comes from
connecting to the One-ness of life, these are things immeasurable in
value. When I feel real love I am truly humbled. When I give real love
I know it is something bigger than me that I am lucky to be a part of,
perhaps even an instrument for good. Love is all you really need.
These five reasons to be grateful are important to me and very
powerful. If you agree, perhaps you can give a virtual "high five
for gratitude" by looking at how they fit in your life and
finding a way to keep them prominent in your life.
|