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The word is: GRATITUDE
Definition: Per Merriam-Webster Dictionary: "thankfulness"
Posted April 6, 2022
My Story on Gratitude
The word gratitude has significant meaning for me which is why, in this post, I will be sharing a part of my heart with you.
One of my favorite proverbs “No man is an island” captures the sentiment surrounding the word gratitude. Those powerful words assure us that none of us are truly alone or self-sufficient. That all of us rely on others for comfort to thrive. It is an excerpt from a sermon delivered by John Donne, a poet and English Cleric in the Church of England, back in 1624. The full excerpt states: "No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main..."
I tear up when I reflect on the boundless gratitude I have for so many people in my life. They are the people who have been there in good times and bad, disappointments, frustrations, and losses. They have helped me to be resilient and to draw strength from within to overcome challenges that might otherwise have drained me.
There is an image, I also want to share. It comes into my mind whenever I feel the unconditional support of the people in my life. It feels like a visual mantra because it calms me. It’s the bronze World War II Marine Corps Memorial that sits outside the District of Columbia. On February 23, 1945, six U.S. Marines climbed Mt. Suribachi and raised the American flag, signaling the US victory at Iwo Jima. Six soldiers forged ahead with all their strength and might to lift the American flag, securing its place on top of a hill for all to see. The US Marine Corps War Memorial is a very powerful symbol for many for a host of reasons. For me, it symbolizes the people in my life that always have my back. The people who steady and lift me during difficult times, reassuring me that I am not alone.
If you read my first blog on “Purpose”, you know that my mom had a stroke back in December of 2019. There are parts of her that I thought were gone, but they’ve been coming back day by day, and for that my gratitude goes out to all the people in her life; our family, her friends, her doctors, therapists, the amazing private aides she has had these past two years and the nurturing staff at her Assisted Living Facility. Her strength is improving and her resolve has never been better. My gratitude knows no bounds for all the people lifting her in body and spirit.
I would guess that we all have stories to share. That despite some of our more challenging moments we were extended a hand to hold, arms to embrace us, or legs to carry us. Who are you grateful to? Who holds you up? Who stands behind you with unconditional love to help you find your footing? If you haven’t told them lately, let them know the difference they have made in your life. Rest assured, they will be grateful to you for knowing that.
These are troubling times we're living. Embrace the people in your life who care and let them help. Let gratitude be a shared gift.