THE POWER OF GRATITUDE

Among the social Science, at the present time Psychology plays a very significant role as far as human life is concern. In any social institution, happy characters are identified by the act of gratitude. This fact in some set ups is taken as a myth; that gratitude belongs to the weak who are in need of emotional crutch. Many explorations under positive psychology have shown that people who spend at least ten minutes in a day to identify on few things to be grateful for, are mostly happy. 

Experience teaches me that if i want to Transcend myself, I have to start with the other. This calls for humility where by one puts himself secondly and allow the other to lead. In most of the cases especially when dealing with projects, we find it difficult to write a short message especially through email expressing our gratitude. This makes the benefactors to become dormant since they are not sure whether whatever is being done has any benefit. A word of gratitude makes the other party to feel more valued and acknowledged. Who on earth would feel satisfied after struggling up and down to accomplish a certain project so as to help a certain institution and by the end of it all nothing is well said of? Lack of gratitude on the other hand reflects that one does not value oneself. Immanuel Levinas, a Jewish philosopher in his philosophy asserted that the face of the other defines me. The way we see others is a clear indication of who we are. In that regard, failure to appreciate the other shows how one has no respect for the self. 

The art of Gratitude could be practiced by putting some minutes to reflect on the reasons for one’s existence. Usually, a normal human being will have be grateful for what has happened in the past. Even those pain would be grateful that they are still alive having in mind that there are some who were not sick and yet they are not alive. It is advisable that even during the period of crisis such as depression, family break ups and other difficult circumstances, one should still hold on gratitude. I would concur with thinkers who holds that in life there is no coincidence and therefore every occasion has its own purpose. According to Brian Tracy we should develop an attitude of gratitude, and always strive to give thanks for everything that happens to us bearing in mind that every step forward is aimed at making our future better than present. 

Nevertheless, I have to state categorically that the attitude of gratitude is imparted in us when we are young. This brings us back to the role of the family. I remember very well when I was young my mother used to tell me to utter a word of appreciation whenever I received a gift or a good action was done to me. “Asante, thank you”. From this simple expression, I developed a habit of appreciating others. Personally, I usually feel happy when I utter the above words. Even in matters of love, gratitude plays a big role. In a happy family, members do not get fed up of appreciating each other and presumably, this is what keep the fire of love burning. During the celebration of life especially when one is celebrating birthday, it makes more sense when one is appreciated for what he/she has been. This could be in form of simple cards or it may be uttered verbally. On the other hand, a word of gratitude can be uttered during the difficult moments. This calls for transcendence where the challenges are viewed as stepping stones towards success. To arrive at this stage, one need to approach life from an optimistic angle. I suppose that Greatest men on twenty first century like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Robert Green were guided by such approach. For the fools, any challenge is a sign of failure and that brings them to the end of effort. 

In relationship ladies would always feel motivated when they are appreciated even if later corrections are being made. Again, Ladies would always feel attracted to men who possesses the art of appreciation especially by saying; “today you are very smart, nice dress my dear, you are beautiful”. If we wish to make a step ahead, we will have to inculcate in us this attitude of gratitude. Our families for that matter have a greater responsibility of teaching the children while they are young. Even in the school’s students are most attracted to a teacher who is always appreciating them especially those taking sciences. Some would say that students hate sciences but this is not the case. The arrogance of teachers makes the students associate science subjects with them and as a result they end up giving up. We need, teachers, pastors, parents and leaders who have the art of gratitude.