Everyday Canvas

Gratitude

Prompt: "We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." Thornton Wilder Do you agree? What are your thoughts on this?

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I think, this is a quote from Our Town, which we produced on stage when I was in high school. The quote is about gratitude and appreciating what one holds, good or not so good.

This may sound fine in a play, but I have felt alive, as probably has everyone, in other moments, too. The part I don’t agree with is “only in those moments.” There can be many other moments in our lives when we feel alive other than those moments when we feel thankful.

Coming back to the idea of gratitude, being mindful of what we have helps us pay closer attention to what’s lovely and meaningful in our daily lives, even if they may seem mundane. The sound of nature, a baby’s smile, two different species of animals frolicking together, the smell of the coffee in the morning, a friend’s kind words, which I got a few today . one’s partner’s hug are all beautiful things that give us satisfaction and a brighter outlook that last a long time.

Gratitude is also associated with empathy. When we are grateful, we understand and appreciate others better. We appreciate them even when they are cross or errant because who doesn’t believe in the sun even on a day when it doesn’t shine?