Gratitude for Self

This month, we have learnt a lot about Thanksgiving. We know more about the importance and some positive impacts of having a thankful heart. There are also different ways to show our gratitude to people around us and for things we have. When I searched more about Thanksgiving, I came across an idea that is worth noticing.

Have you ever thought that Thanksgiving can also be about “gratitude for self”? Yes, you got me right! Shouldn’t we say thanks to ourselves too?

Let me ask you a question. Can you list three good traits or strengths that you have? Let me give you ten seconds to think through it.

I am happy if you did find some or at least one. Yet, I am not surprised if you say you cannot think of any. Perhaps, it is always easier for us to identify problems or weaknesses before acknowledging goodness. After all, most of you might still be too young and will need time to discover more. Today, I wish to take this opportunity to promote the idea that “learning to feel good of what we have done” is equally important to “knowing how to improve and correct mistakes”.

Is it necessarily too self-centered to think about how good we are? I think the answer can be “no”. I searched a lot about how this could possibly be done. And, let me share one of the useful tips.

Some psychological scientists advocate the idea of mindfulness. This is basically ti allow yourself some time each day to get along with yourself. This can be any time during the day. During the time, give your full attention to what you think and what you feel about yourself. If you are a Catholic, this could be the time when you spend with God. Some of us are not but saying a prayer will definitely help. I would also encourage you to do some “mindfulness exercises”. You may simply search the words “mindfulness exercise” in YouTube. You will discover some video clips with soothing music and helpful instructions. I have been practicing them each night for months. I feel good doing so. Although they do not provide solutions to the problems I face, they let me retain and regain some power to face the challenges. You probably will explore a lot too! Whatever ways you try, the main point is to give yourself a chance to be aware of what you truly think or feel. Make it a habit, if possible. …..

Lifestyles have gone way too busy nowadays. We have many works. We seem to have too many things to handle and many people to get along with. Remember to be thankful to people around you, for things we have and for who you are.

Ms. Suen S. L.
24 July 2022