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Writer's pictureAjmal Samuel

How to Cultivate Gratitude in Everyday Life

“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” – Rumi
“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” – Rumi

Life has its ups and downs; I understand this from personal experience. A spinal cord injury left me wheelchair-bound, teaching me about the challenges life can bring. However, I have discovered the powerful effect of gratitude, which is not about ignoring difficulties but instead finding the strength to appreciate even the minor positive aspects of life. Gratitude has transformed my life, and I truly believe it can change yours too.


What is Gratitude?

Gratitude goes beyond simply saying "thank you." It is a conscious choice to notice and appreciate the good things in life, to recognise your positive qualities, and to acknowledge the kindness of others. It involves finding hope, even in tough times. The Bible reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." This verse encourages us to cultivate a thankful mindset, no matter what we face. Being grateful in every situation doesn’t mean we ignore our challenges; instead, it pushes us to find and recognise the blessings around us, even when times are tough. By doing this, we align ourselves with a greater purpose that fosters resilience and personal growth.


My Experience with Gratitude

My journey with gratitude started after a life-changing road accident. At first, I was overwhelmed by negative thoughts and fixated on my losses. But over time, I learned to seek out the good things in my life, no matter how small. I began to appreciate the support of loved ones, the beauty of a sunrise, and even the ability to get out of bed. This change in perspective turned my wounds into sources of new light and understanding.


As I continued this practice, my outlook improved. I became increasingly aware of the positives in life and the blessings I still had. Gratitude became essential, providing me with strength during difficult times.


Easy Ways to Practice Gratitude

Here are some simple ways you can cultivate gratitude in your own life:


  1. Stay Mindfully Present: Take a moment to enjoy the little things around you, like the warmth of the sun or the song of birds. This mindfulness helps you appreciate life’s simple joys.

  2. Express Your Gratitude: Let people know you appreciate them. A heartfelt "thank you" can strengthen relationships and spread positivity. Writing thank-you notes is an effective way to connect with others.

  3. Create Gratitude Habits: Make gratitude part of your daily routine. I end each day by reflecting on something positive, which helps me sleep peacefully, no matter my challenges.

  4. Practice Positive Affirmations: Use affirmations to shift your mindset. I start each day by saying, “I am grateful for the strength to overcome challenges,” which sets a positive tone for my day.

  5. Reduce Negativity: Limit exposure to negative influences, such as the news, social media, or toxic people. Surround yourself with uplifting influences, like inspiring books and supportive friends, which makes it easier to focus on gratitude.


Facing Challenges with Gratitude

Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring problems. It’s about accepting life’s experiences and learning from difficulties. During setbacks, I’ve learned to seek out the benefits in every situation, which has made me stronger and helped me turn challenges into opportunities for growth.


What Gratitude Has Done For Me

Gratitude has truly changed my life in many ways:


  1. I’m Happier: I’ve discovered how to enjoy life, even when facing challenges.

  2. I Feel Stronger: I can face tough times with more hope and resilience.

  3. My Relationships Are Better: I’ve learned to connect with others more deeply by expressing my gratitude.

  4. I Believe in Myself More: I’ve become better at recognising my achievements and appreciating the kindness of others.

  5. I Have Achieved Success: I feel more accomplished in various areas of my life.


What Matters Most

Gratitude helps me focus on what matters: relationships, experiences, and personal growth. It encourages me to prioritise what’s important instead of just chasing material things.


Keep Going

Practising gratitude is a lifelong journey toward a happier and more fulfilling life. You can shift your mindset by developing habits like positive affirmations and regularly expressing thanks. Each day is an opportunity to reflect and find something to be grateful for. Embrace gratitude, and you will see how powerful it can be in your life, as even your deepest wounds can become sources of light that guide you.



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