The Art of Being Grateful

I have often struggled with the idea of being Grateful. Partly because I am an Atheist and partly because I like to think that I am the sole cause of all my success. However, deep down inside I often hear a voice that  seems to poke me with the words “Say Thank you” to which I oft reply, “But, to whom?”

Then out of nowhere while in the shower tonight, the answer hit me! Being Grateful has nothing to do with whom you say thanks to but everything to do with the desire to say thanks. Yes, Atheists can be Grateful too. While I often feel that my success has been created by my acceptance of Risk and courage to make choices, I have realized that I have had plenty of help.

We should all realize that we are on this journey together and each of us plays their own part in each other’s lives. While I may not have an invisible God to say “thank you” to, I certainly know that I could not be here today without the help of friends, family, and those “Honorable People” that have come into my life if only but for a moment.

I like to say that my life has been very “lucky” and what I usually mean by that is quite different than what most Americans think of when they hear the word “luck”. Chinese philosophy and Spirituality teaches that “Luck” is a divine gift presented to people by the gods. Whatever the case may be, Gratefulness is a state of mind, even an Art.

Don’t worry about feeling foolish, if when you wake up in the morning the first thought that comes into your mind is the words “Thank You”. May you never forget that the Art of being Grateful has nothing to do with the recipient but everything to do with the wellbeing of the person giving thanks. Stay Grateful on your journey for there is help all around you.