I don't believe I am good at gratitude. My underlying nature is very competitive. Not that I think I look at things in general as a zero-sum game. But I recognize that I am quick to appreciate the work of others with whom I work with rather than that of peers or supervisors. Why is that? I think it as to do with feeling aligned with the plight of the underdog, the worker, the person in the arena, than those that make the orders and plans. I think it is due to a belief that people making the decisions are callous and disrespectful of what it takes. That is not always true but I typically feel that people make decisions for what is best for them and let the costs be paid by the people that have to make the outcomes that the decisions demand.
Just a thought likely have to tease this out more. In any case I read this quote on gratitude and it sparked some ideas in me... Here is a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson about gratitude:
“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.”
Looking at the latter part of that statement. All things have contributed to my advancement, the good and the bad the conscious and capricious. I need to understand that things I don't like are also experiences that I should be grateful for as it is an opportunity to grow and develop my thoughts and ideas.
Comments