Grattitude

The world is a myriad of situations and events. The path of humankind often wanders the hills and valleys of contemplation. In love, we find newness rewarding. We desire gifts of the heart and the material representation of our feelings. Yet, in our desires we get lost and fail to humbly look at the gifts we receive in each moment of the day. Gratitude is a very rewarding action because response creates momentum for the gift of love. As I live each day and value the air I breathe, I have come to know that love and gratitude are one.

We all want to express gratitude in a way that embraces hope. I think it is a part of being human. In this month of Thanksgiving and the season giving thanks, it is important to look at the simple action of making gratitude part of our daily lives. I look at being thankful in the same regard as I do getting up in the morning. I am always grateful for the time I have to smile at my neighbors or the moments of togetherness I can find in the act of living. The simple joys of being human are the things that inspire me to express my thanks.

Often, we are given gifts of sentiment or action and subsequently fail to express our appreciation. We look at this as part of the busy and hectic aspect of day-to day life. We worry about paying the bills and getting to work on time. The idea of thanking our family and friends seems frivolous as we fly from coast to coast and push the deadlines of existence. We think, "She knows how much I appreciate the effort," or "He knows I love him." While this holds true in the hearts of lovers, gratitude and the expression of feelings requires courage of action. Much like romance, it requires commitment. The expression of thankfulness asks us to release our pride and ask what others need. Gratitude is about giving.

Can the expression of thankfulness aid us in our journey toward improved togetherness? Surely, it is one way to walk the path of human harmony. Think of it this way: Gratitude is appreciation of life. When we express thankfulness for the simple aspects of human existence, we create a chain of goodness. Showing gratitude is something that can also happen in our minds. It is not always necessary to come out and say "Thank you." While verbal expression of sentiment is important, the feelings behind our thankfulness hold more weight in love. If we wish others well on a cognitive level for the things that they have done to enrich our lives, we set our love free. Gratitude flows like the wind at sea. If we use the wind of appreciation, it will fill our sails and bring our ships into the sea of harmony.

Perhaps it is a simple question of valuing the passage of time, the passing of the seasons. Gratitude, much like time has its clock. The fall equinox is a time for reflection. If we have enjoyed a bountiful harvest, we express our thanks. If the year has been difficult, then we are happy for what we do have. We resolve to improve our lives when the time arrives. The appreciation of life does not require wealth or plenty. It requires only thankfulness for the beauty and love around us. Gratitude is life.