Scarcity and gratitude
Many people do not even have access to washing machines. Approximately 5 of every 7 people still have to hand wash clothing. This is equivalent to about 71.4% of the world’s population. Every time you wash your clothes you just throw them in a machine with some soap and in about an hour they are clean. Many people in several countries in the world not only do not have access to washing machines, but have to scrub their clothes for hours in filthy water and when they are done their clothes are not even clean. In some areas in the Middle East water is so scarce they cannot even wash their clothes, and have to wear the same thing for weeks without wash because many people cannot afford multiple pairs of clothes. Henceforth, you should be grateful every time you have to get up to just throw some clothes in the washer. Be grateful you have clean clothes to fold. Be grateful for every glass of water you drink because some families have none. Having dishes to wash means you have food to eat. Having to go grocery shopping means you have enough money to provide for your household.
When you have to clean the fridge rather than looking at it dirty fridge as yet another dreaded project on your list of things to do, instead think about what it means to have a refrigerator. You have enough food that it needs to be stored, you have electricity to run the refrigerator and you have a place to call home. When you have to clean a bathroom, look at it and think to yourself not “This is a filthy thin to do,” and instead think “I am glad I have hot water, indoor plumbing, a house, and most importantly a family who made this mess. For these reasons we have a gratitude day.
Gratitude day
What is a Gratitude Day? It is a day to show appreciation for all things, big and small. Gratitude Day was first celebrated in 1965, and it was officially adopted by the United Nations Meditation Group and recognized as a day where people from around the world and from all walks of life show their gratefulness on whatever things in life.
Studies have shown that people who are grateful for the things they have and the life they are living right now are happier, calmer, and able to perform and achieve more. According to the Law of Attraction, the more you appreciate what you have, the Universe will give you more of it. For example, if you appreciate and are grateful for the money you have, you will have more of it.
As well as this be thankful for your community. From the server at your local restaurant, the policemen, the nurse, to the baker down the street in your neighborhood, say thank you to them. Give and show your gratitude to them. And do not forget about your friends too. Your friends are an important part of your life because you have gone through the thick and thin with them.
Also, be sure to thank yourself for being who you are right now and for whatever you have had in your life. When you appreciate yourself, you will have more confidence and thus, able to accomplish more. When you show your gratitude toward the things you have in life, you will appreciate them and in return, you will live an abundant life.
Be thankful to your friends as well. There is an old saying, “A friend in need is a friend indeed”, and friends hold a special place in our heart as they are the ones who will always be by our side whenever we need them. We simply cannot live in this world all by ourselves without friends.
Thus, it is important to express our appreciation toward our friends, especially those who have helped us when we needed them. There are many types of friends, some you will want to keep no matter the situation, some you will want to leave or spend less time with, and some are good for social and sharing.
There are many blessings that come from being grateful for the good things we enjoy in life. And everyone has their own religion in their hearts. Deep within you, you believe in something, a higher power, a God, or something that has the power to create the world. Simply put, God wants us to learn to be grateful and thankful for all the gifts He has created for us.
This is not only about being spiritual; in fact, science has shown that people who are grateful for their Gods tend to be healthier and happier. You have probably heard the saying, “Count your blessings”, and do you know that when you literally count your blessings, you will increase your emotional and mental health? When people are not grateful, they tend to complain and blame everything and everyone. This is a negative act that will destroy your life. When you think something negative in your mind, you will feel stress, anxious, frustrated, and also angry. This will directly affect your health.
So be grateful for every thing you have from chores to friends because this will help you physically, mentally, and emotionally.