I ask my new counseling students to write down a few things they received in life without having to work for them. The answers, as expected, vary widely – but many of them inevitably mention their parents, spouse or children. Whatever may be their answer, the reason for stirring their mind to this issue is to help us understand that we do get many blessings with no efforts from our side. Contrasted to the losses or things we have missed out, there are many material and non-material bonuses of life that we get and enjoy.
The next step is to introspect whether we show our gratitude for these free gifts or not. Do we just make these things part of our life and enjoy the fruits, and take it for granted that we deserved it so we got it? That is a very insensitive approach to the joys of life. When we struggle long and hard to gain something, we are proud of ourselves and pat ourselves on the back. But when something comes free, we need to acknowledge, thank and show gratitude for it.
Do list out everything that you have received without personal effort, and make a note of how you are going to periodically and constantly show your appreciation & admiration to the source.
