Thankfulness - I stay thankful

Introduction

Thankful people find more joy, love, happiness, and optimism in their life. It also protects people from jealousy, hatred, selfishness, and bitterness. Being thankful is the first step to achieving anything of value in life. Staying thankful through all of life's difficulties is what sets the good apart from the great. Spend your time thinking about what you should be thankful for. 

Benefits of staying thankful

1. Gives you joy.

2. Gives you hope.

3. Gives you happiness.

4. Protects you from negative thoughts.

Skill example

I am thankful for being alive today and having enough to feed myself and my family. 

Zinhle's story

Zinhle gets into the combi at 5:30 a.m. on a cold winter's morning. She must travel a distance before she arrives at work where she is a receptionist in a large factory. Zinhle has been working there for several years and reflects on her progress within the company over the years. 

She started as a kitchen assistant and studied customer care part-time. Zinhle gave thanks for her skills which placed her in a favourable position when the vacancy came up. Always smiling, always pleasant and very helpful. She prided herself on being the best at what she did for a living. Before leaving home, Zinhle hugs her 3-year daughter and assures her that she will bring her new toys that afternoon. 

She leaves her daughter in the care of her supportive mother. Zinhle feels thankful that she is able to provide this to her child and while not being wealthy, they have enough to eat, warm clothes to wear and she can provide a few small spoils for her precious child now and then. As the combi heads along the busy highway, Zinhle silently gives thanks for another day of safe travelling and family to return to.

How to become more thankful

By practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive aspects of your life, you can develop a more thankful mindset and improve your overall well-being.

Being thankful is a powerful practice that can help you to develop a more positive outlook on life and increase your overall sense of well-being. Here are some ways to cultivate gratitude and become more thankful:

1. Keep a gratitude journal: Every day, write down three things you are grateful for. They can be small or big things, but try to be specific and descriptive.
2. Practice mindfulness: Be present in the moment and pay attention to what is going on around you. Notice the beauty in your surroundings and appreciate the small things in life.
3. Say thank you: Express gratitude to others by saying thank you. Whether it's to a friend, family member, or stranger, let them know that you appreciate what they have done for you.
4. Focus on what you have: Instead of focusing on what you don't have, focus on what you do have. Take stock of your blessings and appreciate them.
5. Volunteer: Give back to your community by volunteering your time and skills. Helping others can provide a sense of fulfilment and gratitude.
6. Reflect on your experiences: Take some time to reflect on your life experiences and think about what you have learned from them. Even challenging experiences can provide valuable lessons and opportunities for growth.