Mrs Nwachukwu sat on a low stool beside the door post of an entrance. She placed her hands on her chin lost in a world of her own. Her deep sigh attracted her neighbor who was passing by. She called her several times but got no response.
She tapped her gently on her shoulders
'Mama Chinedu! What is wrong with you?
Mrs Nwachukwu was startled. She rubbed her eyes with the back of her palms 'Nothing is wrong with me o. I'm very fine' She let out a loud hiss.
Her neighbor dropped the tray with on the floor and squatted to her level. She placed both palms on her laps ' No, you are not. Your sigh and hiss say otherwise. Tell me, what exactly is the cause of your sadness?'
Mrs Nwachukwu wiped the tear that strayed from her eyes with the tip of her blouse 'My sister, is the situation of things in this country not enough to cause sadness? There's hardship and untold difficulties everywhere. I am just tired!'
'Hmm. I understand you but that is not enough reason for you to be sad. We need to cultivate an attitude of gratitude regardless of the country's situation'
'What exactly is there to be grateful for? Ehn! Tell me! Is it the increased cost of food stuff or that of transportation? Please, let me know' Mrs Nwachukwu said angrily.
'Mama Chinedu, there are so many things to be grateful for. You only have to look around you and you will find them staring back at you. Gratitude will help you maintain your happiness regardless of the situation' She stood up and straightened her rumpled gown from squatting.
'How do I even maintain an attitude of gratitude?' Mrs Nwachukwu asked.
'Well, you can start by reading the article I will forward to you on Whatsapp.' She picked up the tray she dropped on the floor 'I need to go and prepare dinner for my family. Bye' She walked towards her apartment.
'Thank you, my sister. I will be expecting it' Mrs Nwachukwu called after her.
Gratitude is an attitude that reflects thanksgiving and appreciation for the things we have and the things we do not have. In this fast-paced and materialistic environment, it is easy to lose sight of what we have and complain of those things we do not have. Looking around us makes us realize that there are many things to be grateful for. Taking the time to acknowledge and appreciate the good things and people in our lives can help us to experience a sense of contentment and fulfillment which leads to increased levels of happiness.
Research has shown that individuals who practice gratitude regularly experience lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude reduces negative emotions and increases positive emotions which leads to a greater sense of happiness and fulfillment.
There are various tips that can help us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude
1. Recognize and engage in the little things that make you happy. It could be activities like cooking, reading, swimming, jogging or even talking to a loved one.
2. Focus on the present and leave tomorrow's worries for the future. Being worried about the future makes us lose sight of the things we have and ought to be grateful for. This leads to feeling of unsatisfying and unhappiness.
3. Express your gratitude in words when people show you an act of kindness regardless of how small it is. You can also keep a gratitude journal to document things you are grateful for.
4. Set reminders on your phone to support your gratitude practice. This enables you to take a gratitude break causing you to reflect and find moments of thankfulness throughout your busy day
5. Be positive. See the good in every situation regardless of the negativity. This will enable you to embrace gratitude even in the face of adversity.
Gratitude is a simple but important recipe for happiness. By cultivating a spirit of gratitude in our daily lives, we can experience greater levels of joy, satisfaction, and abundance. So, let us count our blessings and express gratitude for them, and watch as happiness fills our hearts and souls.
NB We are bio individuals which is to say not all size fits all. Prioritizing yourself and your journey with the support and guidance of a health coach will further help in your progress and such a person would be able to get detailed information about themselves that could facilitate results.
