Gratitude - The Forgotten Virtue

"Those who are incapable of gratitude live in vain, they can never be satisfied, fulfilled or happy; they do not live - they hope to live." - Andre Comte-Sponville - Philosopher

Today, gratitude is a "commodity" in short supply. The more we have, the more we want, the more we are given, the more we expect to receive without any or little appreciation. In general, we take more and give less. Humanity suffers from "gratitude fatigue". The expression of gratitude was a fundamental topic of teachings of all the Great Masters throughout history. These teachings are based on one simple principle:

"Gratitude is a feeling of thankful appreciation for favors received. Gratitude is the only way to attract health, wealth, happiness and abundance into your life" - Jesus Christ - Philosopher

This principle must be acknowledged if we wish to change or improve our circumstances and achieve desired results on all levels - it is the way to bring more good into our lives. To succeed is to show or express gratitude for all things that we already have and all the things that we feel good about. It is important to give "thanks" not only to the forces of the universe, but also to people that provided us with assistance, guidance, friendship, encouragement, support or a helping hand in time of need. We should be thankful for the many gifts, talents, opportunities or blessings and appreciate what we have, instead of dwelling on what we lack.

"If you look at what you have in life - you will always have more. If you look at what you don't have in life - you will never have enough." - Plato - Philosopher

Expression of gratitude is not an easy task, not because we don't know how to do it, but because of the obstacles we must overcome to feel it. One such obstacle is ego. People that are driven by their ego are slow in the expression of gratitude, as they do not wish to acknowledge their indebtedness to others and gratitude is this acknowledgement. They don't like to give, share or give in return.

"Gratitude is giving thanks in return which unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into home, a stranger into a friend." - Melody Beatie - Philosopher

Ungratefulness stunts the process of positive change, bringing stagnation and disappointment. People that are not thankful or appreciative for what they have or for what they are given, will struggle, always wanting more, experiencing difficulties and problems in many areas of life like; relationships, finances, health and personal contentment.

"Many people who order their lives rightly in all other ways are kept in poverty by their lack of gratitude." - Wallace Wattles - Philosopher

Feelings of gratitude are attracting. If there is something that we want or desire, it is essential to express thankfulness in advance for things that we want to achieve in the future. It is impossible to bring all good things into our life if we are feeling ungrateful for what we already have.

"I am thankful and glad, and I feel completely secure." - Psalm 16:9

Sometimes, gratitude represents "disguised hope" as we often offer thanks just because we are hoping to receive more. Verbal thankfulness is not enough if it is not supported by the true feelings of gratitude.

"If someone gives you something or offers you a helping hand - be grateful and never confuse kindness with... weakness." - Aristotle - Philosopher

- The power of gratitude and love is the strongest and stands above everything else.

- Gratitude cannot be measured - it must be felt.

- Nothing in life should be taken for granted as everyday is a gift.

- Gratitude should be expressed for little as well as big things.

- Gratitude attracts abundance, health, wealth, success, prosperity, contentment and happiness.

- Thankful appreciation should be stated for past, present and future achievements.

- Ungratefulness attracts scarcity, lack, problems and disappointments, so... be grateful and count your blessings.