The Meaning Of Gratitude And Gratefulness

By Mark Thompson


Most often people give thanks for blessings either to the provider or a higher power or powers. For others, giving thanks to the farmers whom spent time sowing and reaping crops or to the plants, animals and sea life which were sacrificed for food is more appropriate. While this is the case, it is important to note that the meaning of gratitude is something different from that of gratefulness.

The most well known of these two principles is that of appreciation. Whereas, the second is related to all that in life which is provided freely. When celebrating holidays such as Thanksgiving, most people give thanks to a higher power or powers or to that which had been sacrificed with regards to the food being served.

Most organized religions, especially those of the Christian faith believe that gratitude is when people give thanks to God for the blessings in life. While this is the case, the definition is more about a response or feeling to gifts rather than giving thanks. Whereas, there is nothing wrong with giving thanks to God, or others for blessings bestowed upon oneself or others.

Scientists, monks and others all tend to agree that showing appreciation is a counterpart of being grateful. Whereas, one monk suggest that gratitude is a feeling or response an individual experiences when receiving a gift freely regardless of monetary value. In another case, a scientist suggest that it is an affirmation of the good aspects of life. In either case, people tend to agree that it is a feeling or response to having accepted something good.

A number of scientists agree that the source of goodness lies outside the self. While there are others whom suggest people are born with behavioral traits which can be either bad or good depending on brain issues and other factors. Regardless, most all people agree that when given a gift freely without expectation, recipients are often grateful.

Gratefulness, whatever the definition, is often considered a primary element when it comes to living a happy life. People who lack a sense of gratitude or gratefulness are often left desiring and wanting more on an ongoing basis. As a result, to avoid ongoing disappointments in life, it is important to always be grateful for gifts which are provided freely whether tangible or intangible, large or small.

Individuals whom are grateful and content often live the happiest lives. For, those whom are never satisfied and are always left wanting of something different, something else or something more often experience more disappointment in life. Whereas, those whom have a strong sense of gratitude and know the difference between needs and wants can often find happiness even when only basic needs are being met.

One gift which everyone shares is the gift of life. While this is the case, some people are more appreciative of this fact than others. At the same time, there are also others whom give thanks for life on an ongoing basis. For, these individuals understand that regardless of how, when or where individuals were created, the world is a beautiful place to be, especially when grateful for the gift of life.




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