Hard to Be Grateful? Train This Mindset!

We are often advised to always be grateful. Yet we may wonder: why do we need this ability? And how can we become more grateful in every circumstance?

The Benefits of Gratitude

Gratitude produces a number of positive effects, both directly and indirectly. Basically, developing a grateful heart does not cost much money and does not take much time. Yet its effects are truly extraordinary, including:

• Gratitude improves physical and mental health
• Gratitude opens many doors to new relationships
• Increases self-confidence
• Gratitude can help career advancement
• Makes emotions better and more stable, reduces stress, and increases happiness 
• Gratitude helps you sleep more soundly1,2, and so on

Seeing the many benefits of gratitude, of course we want to become people who are full of gratitude. What mindset do we need to train so that we can become people who are quick to give thanks? 

Gratitude #1: Enjoy the “Present” because Everything Will Pass

One reason why we find it hard to be grateful is that we forget that everything we are experiencing right now does not last forever. Good or bad, it won’t last forever. When bad things happen to us, remember that they will surely pass, and so will the good things.

A friend once told me about his father’s sudden passing. His father’s blood sugar suddenly spiked, and a week later, he died. Back then, my friend’s father was fussy and quick-tempered. But when he breathed his last and no longer moved, my friend said, “Dad, come on, get angry again. It’s better for you to rant than to be silent like this.”

That story made me realize that good things and bad things alike will not last forever. It may be that one day, you will miss the things you once considered bad. So, enjoy the present moment because all things must pass.

Like a wheel turning, there are times when we are at the bottom. Perhaps you are going through dark times right now: a failed business, financial pressure, the loss of a loved one, heartbreak, family trouble, someone you love is sick, and so on. When things like this happen, being grateful is not easy. Still, keep trying to do it. 

Instead of continuing to sink or complain, try asking yourself, “How can I grow through this event? What lesson can I take from it? What is the most effective solution for facing it? How can I keep something similar from happening again?”

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Make this experience an opportunity to grow and become an even better person. Do what you can as best as you can, and believe that bad things will surely pass, replaced by things far better. The time will come when sorrow is replaced with joy. And likewise, good circumstances do not necessarily last forever. So, enjoy and live fully through every season you must go through.

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God! For I shall yet give thanks to Him, my help and my God! - Psalm 42:11 

Gratitude #2: Look “Down” and Count Your Blessings

You may feel that your life is not all that good or is too ordinary, so you think: what is there to be thankful for? But do you know how many people long for the life you have right now? 

Based on World Bank data, in October 2018, nearly 50% of the world’s population lived below the poverty line. As many as 3.4 billion people were still struggling to meet their basic needs (clothing, food, shelter).3

Data from Science Daily in June 2015 stated that more than 95% of people in the world had health problems. More than one-third of the world’s population (around 2.3 billion people) had more than five kinds of illness.4 In 2015, UNICEF recorded at least 93 million children born with disabilities, and the real number is estimated to be far higher.5 

So, if today you are still blessed with health, a place to live, three meals a day, and a job, be grateful! Look at how many people long for the life you have right now. Do not only look upward, but also look at those around you who are less fortunate, and count the blessings you have already received from God. 

I give thanks to You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. - Psalm 139:14 

I will give thanks to You among the peoples, O Lord; I will sing praises to You among the nations. - Psalm 57:9

Have you given thanks for every good thing you are able to enjoy or have right now? Even more, have you shared your blessings with people in need? If not, try starting today.

Gratitude #3: Gratitude Is God’s Will for Us 

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The verse above teaches us that gratitude is not optional. God wants us to give thanks in every circumstance, whether good or less good. Without gratitude, you will find it hard to see the good things in life. Even if your life goes smoothly, you will only see it as something ordinary. 

I have been in that position. When traveling to beautiful places outside the city, I felt nothing special. But when I decided to be grateful, even when I was only passing along the same road every day, I could feel how special my own surroundings were.

As followers of Christ, gratitude should not be difficult. Why? Because we have already been given salvation. God Himself was willing to die to redeem our sins and receive the punishment that we deserved. We can live in the hope that one day we will receive the crown of glory together with God in heaven. 

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Here are practical ways you can apply to make gratitude easier:

• Pray with thanksgiving every day 
• Write down the things that made you grateful that day before going to sleep
• Visit a sick friend, go to a hospital, a funeral home, an orphanage, or a nursing home. Those places may not be places you like, but while you are there, you will learn a lot and better understand the meaning of gratitude.
• Give and do good things for the community where you live
• Traveling. Traveling does not have to be to expensive or luxurious places. When you see God’s extraordinary handiwork in the beauty of nature, and see people from various backgrounds and conditions, it will be easier for you to be grateful.
• Decide to be grateful, whatever happens.

If you find it hard to be grateful, perhaps it is time to change the way you think. Often, it is our own thoughts that block gratitude. When good or bad things happen, live through them fully, because neither will last forever. Do not forget to count every blessing God has given you. And keep giving thanks, because that is what our Father in heaven desires. May all of us continue to be grateful, anytime and anywhere!

References:
1 www.forbes.com/sites/amymorin/2014/11/23/7-scientifically-proven-benefits-of-gratitude-that-will-motivate-you-to-give-thanks-year-round/#66777c16183c
2 www.happierhuman.com/benefits-of-gratitude/
3 www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2018/10/17/nearly-half-the-world-lives-on-less-than-550-a-day
3 www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150608081753.htm
5 www.unicef.org/disabilities/

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