The Meaning Of Gratitude In Life

By Mark Thompson


Most often people give thanks for blessings either to the provider or a higher power or powers. For others, giving thanks to the farmers whom spent time sowing and reaping crops or to the plants, animals and sea life which were sacrificed for food is more appropriate. While this is the case, it is important to note that the meaning of gratitude is something different from that of gratefulness.

There are basically two aspects when it comes to gratitude, one is related to appreciation and the other is related to accepting tangible and intangible gifts which are provided freely. As such, when giving a gift of appreciation, one is giving a gift of gratitude. Whereas, if accepting such a gift, the recipient is often grateful and appreciative.

Organized religions often see gratitude as thanking God for a miracle or a prayer that has been answered. In reality, the definition of gratitude has nothing to do with God or religion. For those whom desire to give thanks to God, there is nothing wrong in doing so.

Monks, scientists and others all agree that appreciation is a counterpart of being grateful. Whereas, as one monk also suggest, gratis is a response to that which has been provided freely regardless of monetary worth. While one of the leading scientists suggest it is rather an affirmation of all things which are good, most people tend to agree that gratitude is a feeling which occurs in response to having received a tangible or intangible gift.

Some scientists agree that the source of goodness lie outside the sense of self. Whereas, there are others whom believe people are born with good or bad behavioral traits and other disabilities. Regardless, all agree that gifts which are provided freely without expectation of something in return are often the most beneficial.

Whatever the definition, gratefulness is often considered a key element to happiness in life. For, people whom are not grateful often always have wants and desires which when not acquired can build an ongoing sense of disappointment. As such, it is important to be appreciative and grateful even for the smallest things in life.

Individuals whom are grateful and content often live the happiest lives. For, those whom are never satisfied and are always left wanting of something different, something else or something more often experience more disappointment in life. Whereas, those whom have a strong sense of gratitude and know the difference between needs and wants can often find happiness even when only basic needs are being met.

Life is one gift most people can say is one given freely. While this is the case, there are some individuals whom are more grateful for life than others. Whereas, there are also others whom give thanks and are grateful for life each and every day. In either case, regardless of how the human race was created, the planet on which we live is one for which all need to be grateful.




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