A SYSTEM OF GRATEFULNESS

Like everything in life, there is a system for it.

A system for gratefulness and showing gratitude is a must in this finicky and materialistic world we live in. We are at the beck and call of our gadgets. For some of us, every working minute is a hustling opportunity.

Why do we lack that joy that comes with purposeful living? One thing that strikes me is that a complaining and grumbling person is never at peace and joyful. Either you're the latter or the former. 

When I was young, living with my siblings in one of the most impoverished areas in Metro Manila and yet subsisting remarkably was life affirming . Everyday, I will think that things will get better and that we will have some niceties in life such as an electric fan, a television, a refrigerator and so on and so forth. Sometimes, we have a feast, and sometimes, we have to get credit from the local store to buy some basic food items. When we make complaints about how our lives were miserable, my mom, a single parent and breadwinner, would say: "Don't complain, be grateful for what you have. See the other kids in the neighborhood, you are way better off than them."

We may be materialistically lacking but spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically we were strong in these terms. We had a lot going for us but we only see the material aspect of our existence.

Now that am coaching high-performers and high achievers, gratefulness is not an art, but a science. It comes with systems and processes that when practiced daily will enrich your life. A little more of gratitude can provide you the perspective in meeting life's challenges. The moment you let that slip for a while, the self will look for things lacking and problematic, rather than what's working perfectly.

That said, a few habit-forming practices you can use starting today.

1. Have a gratitude journal. Keep writing one blessing everyday that you receive.

2. Adopt a positive, thankfulness self-talk. Aside from asking yourself at night about your highs and lows, ask yourself what's the major gift I received today?

3. Call someone that's in need and listen intently. Look for similarities and not faults and deficiencies. Celebrate that person in your life. 

4. Celebrate simple life's seasons such as anniversaries, seasons' turning, birthdays, goals achieved, graduation, and other important occasions. Better than that, celebrate when there's no obvious occasion too. Invent one. 

5. Recall the people who helped you along the way when you were starting your life journeys. I would recall my Grade 5 teacher who helped me buy my majorette's skirt so I can join the school band. She made it happen for me. 

6. Listen to the still voice telling you, you're complete. Whole. Enough. You're alive and well. That is a cause for gratitude. 


Happy Thanksgiving!