Why Showing Gratitude is One of the Best Ways to Find Joy

Gratitude
10 Aug 2015

A few months ago, I was reminded of the importance of teaching our children to practice gratitude regularly—and to do the same ourselves.

Every morning on the way to school, my daughter and I say our prayers in the car. She has to say three things she is thankful for. That day, the three things were all toys. When I explained to her that she had to come up with things that you couldn’t buy with money, she said it was hard to think of any. And then I had to explain to her the concept of taking things like good health, life, family and joy, for-granted because they may not always be there.

Her question to me was, “Well, isn’t it fair to always expect those things to be there if you’re teaching me to think positively?” Maybe I’ve taught her too well…

However, in life, we have to know the difference between thinking positively and taking those things we’re thinking positively about, for-granted. We also have to remember to show gratitude even—and probably, especially—when things are going haywire in our lives. Because there’s always someone in this world who has it worse than you do. Always.

I am ever-grateful for waking up this morning because there are many people who went to sleep last night and didn’t wake up. I have another day, another opportunity, to live out my purpose. That brings me joy. As this great quote from Brené Brown states:

“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness—it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.”

 What are you grateful for?

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Julian B. Kiganda

I hope you enjoyed this post! A little about me: I’m the founder of Bold & Fearless and a Transformational Brand Strategist. My gifting is in helping purpose-driven women transform and build million-dollar brands. I’m also an author, transformational speaker and multi-passionate entrepreneur. In 2014, I published my first highly-acclaimed book co-authored with my sister: Whose Shoes Are You Wearing? 12 Steps to Uncovering the Woman You Really Want to Be available on Barnes & Noble and Amazon. To learn more about how you can connect or work with me, visit www.julianbkiganda.com.




Comments

  1. Thanks Julian for the reminder. Actually I’ve found that when I find myself getting into an irritable, impatient, grumbling-like-the-Israelites mood, if I check myself I often find that I’m taking a lot for granted and not being grateful for the many blessings!

  2. This was amazing. I love the relationship that you have with your daughter. I’m grateful for being a mother of three beautiful children. Grateful that I’m someone’s sister, aunt, cousin, friend, wife, confident and caregiver. Grateful that I’m able to read this inspiring post. Most of all grateful that I have a relationship with God.

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: August 12, 2015 at 5:23 am

      Thank you so much Rita! Love what you shared. And I know you’re doing an amazing job with your children. Keep shining!

  3. Grateful for the ability to love people! Lots of folks don’t have love for people and they themselves are miserable. Loving people allows you to see them for their hearts and not their actions. Great post!

    • Julian B. Kiganda Says: August 11, 2015 at 11:31 pm

      I appreciate your feedback Tanya! Love how you show your gratitude 🙂 And I know you LIVE it. Keep shining sis!

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