Thank You

Pause. Reflect. Appreciate.

Breathe in, breathe out — yes, that’s a gift you seldom appreciate and show gratitude for. It’s easy to overlook small, defining moments where we’re meant to show gratitude, failing to realise how important they are.

How often do you appreciate the breath of life, even through the chaos?

When was the last time you thanked your body for carrying you through the day?

Do you ever appreciate the free warmth of the sunlight?

When was the last time you reflected on the previous day’s turmoil and appreciated the importance of life’s reset button — Sleep?

Most people don’t realise how blessed they are with clean water till they come across a documentary showing others’ struggles — and only then do they show gratitude. Are you part of this group or do you constantly show gratitude for one of life’s most basic forms of nourishment?

There are people who bring light into your life — how often do you show appreciation for them?

Do you ever pick up your phone to call or text that colleague at work that’s always present to assist you through your daily tasks when you hit a block and simply express how grateful you are?

How often do you give thanks for the smiles and the laughter that softens the pain and stress you go through? Do you show appreciation to the few people that bring this joy into your life?

For every growth opportunity you encounter, do you pause and silently show gratitude?

We often don't realise how much music does for us. Do you often fall back to music to comfort you when you’re faced with a difficult dilemma in life? Do you listen to music because it’s part of your life and keeps you at peace? When was the last time you thanked the sound that understands your emotions better than any words could?

We live every day in a war-free environment where we don’t take the time to be grateful for the peace we enjoy. Do you take this gift of peace for granted or actually pause to show gratitude?

Thank your family for their love and presence, they may not always know how much it means. Do you reflect on the gift of having a complete family that’s at peace, willing to support you? Do you show gratitude for such a gift?

Time, though it constantly slips, offers a chance to begin again every day. When was the last time you showed gratitude for life’s most important commodity?

The sun, the rain — we’re quick to complain when we don’t experience the weather we expect but how often do you show gratitude when you get the one you actually want?

Are you waiting to experience the Northern Lights before you give thanks for nature’s ambience or do you show appreciation for the little moments of nature you experience already?

There are millions of authors and books in the world. Blogs we visit daily, weekly, or even monthly to read through our favourite stories. Do you ever pause to show appreciation to the authors and books that keep your mind healthy?

Have you paused to appreciate the memories shared with your loved ones? The little moments that put smiles on your face, bring reassurance and keep the hope alive.

Think about the job you currently have. Do you whine about having a bad day and offhandedly exclaim ‘I hate my job’? Have you checked the stats of unemployment rate to see how blessed you are to have a job that takes care of your bills no matter how little?

How often do you appreciate the freedom you enjoy? Do you ever reflect what your life would look like without the freedom you currently take for granted?

We often overlook moments that matter. We keep tabs on everything —our goals, daily tasks — but rarely our gratitude meter. These little moments, though not noticeable on the surface, are defining moments in our lives that are the backbone of our well-being.

“Gratitude turns our attention from what is missing and directs it toward what is already present.”

Henri Nouwen, Dutch Priest and Writer.

We often take for granted the very things that deserve our gratitude the most. I encourage everyone to make a daily gratitude habit. It could be part of your daily to-do list, it could be done every time you step out of your house and experience the weather, it could be every day when you clock in at work. We shouldn’t wait till we’re joyful to be grateful, it is gratitude that makes us joyful. What are you grateful for?