We have heard over and over that we need to be grateful, we need to feel grateful, but when you don’t really understand what gratefulness is like, it’s hard to be. I’ve run into so many people who are not content with anything. There is always more to be had, especially more stuff. I’ve never been overly materialistic. 

My family wasn’t rich by anyone’s standards, but we always had what we needed. We also had generous friends and family members who gave us extra food if they had too much, and we, in turn, shared when we had an excess of whatever as well.

It seems that Western society dictates that we must have more. When we have a lot already, we still want more, if we can’t get what we want, we look down on ourselves or others for not having what we have or for not wanting more. That “keeping up with the joneses” thing.

We are still hoping things will go back to the way we think they ought to be. The way we were used to operating in the world. However, things have changed. The gaps in our systems were exposed. People were, and still are, falling through the cracks.

People figured out that having friends on social media or on your computer isn’t the same as seeing someone in person. More than ever, we are seeing how much we really depend on one another. Yes, technology is a great tool that allows us to do great things, but what’s really important is the connection we have to one another. 

Gratitude is about being happy with what you have now. It doesn’t mean that you can’t want things, but that contentment is something to be had at the moment, not tomorrow or yesterday. Gratitude is about giving and receiving. If you have excess, share; if you need, accept. 

Far too often, people give grudgingly. That is not giving. Don’t expect to get any blessings if you do this. The energy you put off doing that will only make it so you can’t give anything in the future and will most likely put you in the position of need. If you give something, let go of it. If that person is grateful for it, blessings for both of you. If they don’t, it doesn’t matter. As long as you give with the intention that someone in need will receive it, you’re good.

If you are already in a position of need, your task is to receive. So many people say things like, “I don’t need anything.” If that’s true, the universe will start taking things away from you since you’re so willing to discount what you have. If someone gives you something and it turns out you don’t need it, be assured that someone does. Give it away. Be grateful for whatever someone gives you. Friends of mine sometimes get things or buy things, and they don’t know why. Then they run into someone, and they hand it over to them. Sometimes the universe finds other ways to get things to you. Accept it with grace and gratitude.

Gratitude looks like generosity and thankfulness, with smiles and good feelings. Open hearts with hope for the future create that hopeful future. Not to sound like a goody-two-shoes, but I really do believe that one person can make a difference in the life of another. It might be something as small as looking someone in the eye and nodding. It might be donating food, clothing, or money to a local shelter. 

What goes around comes around. We’ve heard it before. The more you give, the more you receive. We’ve heard that one too. I say let go of the struggle when you can and allow your heart and your instincts to guide you to where you need to be and what you need to do. When you are doing something that makes your heart feel light, brings a smile to your face, and you know you’re doing something good for someone else, that is what gratitude looks like.