Gratitude and Reflection on the 4th of July in Challenging Times
As we mark the 4th of July in the United States, a day synonymous with patriotism and the remembrance of our nation's heritage, it is a critical crossroads to explore the essence of gratitude amidst the tumultuous times we face. In the backdrop of governmental upheaval and socio-political unrest, returning to the core virtue of gratitude becomes not only essential but an act of resilience and resistance.
The 4th of July stands as a testament to the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the thirteen colonies in 1776, symbolizing values such as liberty, equality, and democracy that bind us as a nation. Yet, contemporary realities cast a shadow of doubt on the principles we once held dear. Questions linger: Are we truly equal? Is our democracy and freedom being jeopardized? Fear and uncertainty loom large, dividing our nation once more. In these perplexing times, embracing gratitude becomes a beacon of hope and a form of silent protest against adversities.
Gratitude, often deemed the basis of all virtues, is the transformative power to reshape our perceptions and infuse contentment in the face of trials. Through gratitude, we recognize the blessings in our lives—be it the unwavering support of loved ones, the serenity of nature, or the fleeting moments of joy. It is in cultivating gratitude that we nurture a positive outlook, fostering resilience and a heightened appreciation for the present moment, from which joy and happiness can sprout.
Amid the 4th of July celebrations, let us extend the ethos of gratitude far beyond a single day, entwining it into our daily lives as a source of fortitude, solidarity, and empathy. While we express appreciation for our collective past and current blessings, may we, too, nurture a vision for a future paved with unity, compassion, and inclusive prosperity. In times of trial, let gratitude be our guiding light, illuminating the path toward a more harmonious and equitable society.
As we traverse these tumultuous waters, may the spirit of gratitude serve as a unifying force, reminding us of the enduring values that once defined us as a nation and the resilience that resides within each of us.
Replacing Non-grateful Thoughts to Grateful Thoughts
While gratitude is a basic human emotion, ungratefulness has been described as the solvent of social bonds and an assault on flourishing human life. To be ungrateful is a failure to recognize and appreciate the gifts, lessons, and benefits we receive, no matter how small or insignificant they appear to be. When we become weighed down by ungrateful thoughts, relationship satisfaction decreases, and social connections are weakened. We are left feeling unhappy, bitter, and dissatisfied with what we have. And we can, however, choose to view the world through the lens of gratitude.
Recognizing ungrateful thoughts doesn't depict you as a bad person. Ingratitude surfaces in various forms: perpetual dissatisfaction, excessive complaints, and envy of others. Cultivating gratitude amidst adversity nurtures happiness, optimism, and resilience. Acknowledging ungrateful thoughts and fostering gratitude allows for appreciating life's diverse gifts, benefits, and valuable lessons. Doing so helps in being content with what you have, curbing excessive complaints, and embracing a positive outlook on life's challenges.
When you consider that the average person has more than six thousand thoughts every day, it is hardly surprising that many of them will be less than grateful. Ungrateful thoughts can be so automatic that we may not even realize we have them. Therefore, the first step in replacing ungrateful thoughts is to recognize that you have them in the first place. What does an ungrateful thought look like? Perhaps you find yourself complaining about a colleague, your family, or even the weather. Maybe you have angry resentful, or jealous thoughts directed at another person or are envious of their success.
Gratitude is not simply being thankful when things go well. It entails recognizing what we have and understanding that our experiences have meaning and value even when things go wrong. While gratitude is not a panacea that will make the bad times disappear, a grateful outlook encourages a more balanced perspective and serves as a reminder that life offers many gifts even in difficult times. Indeed, grateful people tend to be more satisfied with what they have and less susceptible to negative emotions, such as envy, resentment, greed, and bitterness. Practicing gratitude has shown a consistent, robust relationship with happiness a greater appreciation of life, and improved relationships, health, and overall well-being. Moreover, grateful people tend to cope more effectively with everyday stress and enjoy more positive emotions, such as joy, enthusiasm, love, and optimism.
Explanation of the Gratitude Check In
This brief practice helps you connect to the feeling of gratitude. Gratitude is more than knowing what you are thankful for. Gratitude is also an experience, a feeling that arises within you in a given moment. In this three-step “check-in,” you will connect to this feeling of gratitude. Complete these three steps every day for the next two weeks. You can do this at any time of the day.
The Practice of the Gratitude Check In
Complete these three steps every day for the next two weeks. You can do this at any time of the day. Take a few minutes to reflect on your experience below.
1) Close your eyes and bring to mind a recent positive event, something good that happened to you in the last few days.
2) Take a moment to think about who or what was needed for this event to occur.
3) Notice how your body feels in response to this memory; scan through your body from head to toe and observe any new physical sensations.
Keep notes.
Gratitude Reflection
Reflection After two weeks, please reflect on the following:
■ How did you do?
■ What did you learn during these last two weeks?
■ Did you manage to practice every day? If not, what got in the way?
■ Do you feel more grateful generally now than you did two weeks ago?
■ What was difficult about the practice?
■ What was easy about the practice?
From now on, will you consider continuing to practice gratitude daily? Why/why not?
Aspire's Awareness Academy Monthly Newsletter
I am Amy Jacques, the CEO and a Certified Empowerment Coach at Aspire, LLC. My passion lies in working with individuals who are seeking to dedicate time to self-improvement and initiate positive changes in their lives. Together, we embark on a journey of self-awareness and empowerment, uncovering the strengths within each of my clients.
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My newsletter has been in circulation for over two years, and I am making a few adjustments to its layout. July's theme in my coaching practice is Gratitude, which will be mirrored in this edition of the newsletter. Aspire's Awareness Academy encompasses more than just a monthly newsletter—it offers a plethora of additional benefits. Subscribers receive the newsletter directly to their inbox, along with notifications about complimentary webinars exclusive to academy members. Furthermore, you will have the chance to participate in market research that informs my decisions on creating future online courses, memberships, and webinars. Rest assured, the academy limits its emails to a maximum of four per month (typically one per week), and sometimes less than four.
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