By Ima Diawara & Lolia Etomi
Gratitude is the silent strength that brings warmth to a bitter day.
It is the smile you muster through excited tears, the kindness you exchange with strangers who are in need. Gratitude is the elephant in the room that keeps you hooked when there is nothing more appealing than to leave.
Look inward. What are the blessings inside?
Focus now on the sensation of gratitude. What does it feel like in your body? What does it sound like? How is your heart beating?
Enjoy this moment.
The lifelines that are extended to us, the lifelines we extend to others – they are all efforts in being grateful. Whether the lifelines are physical, spiritual, big or small, they are the pieces of our community that keep us afloat. Gratitude is the anchor that guides us toward peace, inside and out.
As you go about your days this week, look around you.
Think about the people, the plants, the places you pass as blessings that were specifically crafted for you. Say thank you when you don’t need to. And if you struggle, don’t worry! Even our challenges are blessings through the lessons.
