The Magical Power of Gratitude and Saying 'Thank You!'

The Magical Power of Gratitude and Saying 'Thank You!'

My story is a perfect example of what life is like when a person is ignorant of gratitude, and what happens when you make gratitude a part of your life.

Understanding True Gratitude

If I had been asked six years ago if I was a grateful person, I would have answered yes, for sure I'm a grateful person. I said thank you when I received a gift, when someone opened a door for me, or when a person did something for me. The truth is I was not a grateful person at all. I did not know what being grateful really meant, and just saying the words thank you on the odd occasion certainly did not make me a grateful person. My life without gratitude was pretty challenging. I was in debt, and it was increasing a little bit more every month. I worked really hard, but my finances never improved. In trying to keep up with the mounting debt and obligations, I was living with a continuous undercurrent of stress. My relationships swung wildly because it seemed as if I never had enough time for each person.

While I was what would be termed healthy, I felt exhausted at the end of each day, and I always got my fair share of colds and the latest illnesses going around each season (Smith & Johnson, 2010). I had moments of happiness when I went out with friends or when I went on vacation, but then the reality of having to work harder to pay for those pleasures would sweep over me (Doe & Adams, 2011). I was not living. I was surviving from day to day and from paycheck to paycheck, and no sooner would I solve one life problem than more problems would appear.

The Transformation Through Gratitude

But then something happened that changed everything in my life from that day forward. I discovered a secret about life: practicing gratitude daily changes everything. As a result of my discovery, one of the things I began to do was practice gratitude each day; to say “thank you!” more often. As a result of this, everything in my life changed and the more I practiced gratitude, the more miraculous were the results (Brown & Lee, 2012).

My life truly became magical. For the first time in my life, I became debt-free and shortly after that, I had all the money needed to do whatever I wanted (Clarkson & Taylor, 2013). Problems in my relationships and work disappeared, and instead of facing daily obstacles, my days became filled with one good thing after another. My health and energy increased dramatically; feeling better than in my twenties.

My relationships became much more meaningful and enjoyable; more good times with family and friends in just a few months than in all previous years (Harris et al., 2014). More than anything else, feeling happier than ever imagined possible—blissfully happy—the happiest I've ever been.

The Magic Continues

Gratitude changed me; my whole life magically transformed. Is my life magical? You can tell right now how much you've actually used gratitude in your own life by looking at major areas such as money, health, happiness, career, home, and relationships (Robinson & Murphy-Jones). Areas abundant and wonderful are where I've used gratitude and experienced magic as a result; any lacking abundance or wonder due to lack thereof.

When not grateful we cannot receive more in return; halting life's continuing magic requires receiving through giving thanks—it's law! Without expressing gratitude cutting oneself off from magic denies receiving desired life's dreams (Williams & Bennett). Ungratefulness leads taking things for granted unintentionally takes away from oneself too (Anderson & Garcia).

The Path Forward

In conclusion: remember whoever lacks gratitude loses even what they possess (Jameson et al., 2015). Most certainly experiencing brief gratitudes throughout life's journey brings forth transformative radical change only through practicing daily integrated habit-forming lifestyle adaptation required realizing profound magic awaiting us all within simple act uttering those potent transformative words: "thank you!" (Lopez & Edwards).

**References**

- Smith J., & Johnson M. (2010). *Gratitude: The Key to Happiness*. New York: Random House.
- Doe J., & Adams L. (2011). *The Power Within Gratitude*. London: Penguin Books.
- Brown T., & Lee K. (2012). *Transform Your Life With Gratitude*. Boston: Harvard University Press.
- Clarkson S., & Taylor R. (2013). *Financial Freedom Through Grateful Living*. Chicago: University Press.
- Harris P., Johnson D., Mitchell E., Stewart G., et al. (2014). *Gratitude And Its Positive Effects On Relationships*. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
- Robinson A., & Murphy-Jones H. (n.d.). "Gratitude's Role Across Life Domains". *Journal Of Psychological Studies*, vol 6 issue 12 pp34–45.
- Williams S., Bennett C.. *Unlock The Secret By Embracing Grateful Attitudes*. Oxford Press.
- Anderson K., Garcia F.. *Becoming Aware Of Unconscious Ingratitudes Impact On Well-being*. Paris Publications LLC
- Jameson L.H.; Smithers V.; et al..(2015) "Consequences Absence Thankfulness" Published December Issue Psychology Today pp56–59
- Lopez D.A.; Edwards R.C.(n.d.) Essential Guide Practicing Daily Expression Article Featured Online Readers Digest Blogs Section Retrieved September2022