“It's wonderful to be grateful. To have that gratitude well out from deep within you and pour out in waves. Once you truly experience this, you will never want to give it up.” ~Srikumar Rao
For many (including me) the past few weeks have been restless ones. We are anxious, angry, and, let’s face it, scared. Unable to anticipate what the next few years might bring, some of us want to insulate and isolate ourselves, simply keeping our heads down and hoping for the best. We do not know what to do, so our impulse is to do nothing.
This week the season of gratitude has stumbled into our consciousness. However, we are unsure what to make of it. How can we be grateful when we are living with fear and hatred? If we express our gratitude for the lives we have, will we be perceived as heartless braggarts, blissfully unaware of our citizens’ struggles? Is it still okay to feel blessed?
Hateful rhetoric and actions have been empowered due to election results. Children and adults have been subjected to horrible verbal and physical attacks because of their skin color, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or gender identity. In a November 17th article, “Hate on the Rise After Trump Election,” The New York Times reported that the Southern Poverty Law Center saw an increase in hate-fueled intimidation acts. More frightening? We can only guess how many went unreported. To hear this news deeply troubles me. What can we...should we do, then, to reverse this horrendous trend of hatred? What must we do now to make America remember its ideals again? Maybe now it is more important than ever to be grateful.
We must use gratitude as a weapon. We should honor all that brings us joy by insisting they be offered to everyone. We should seek justice because we value its critical importance to our humanity. We must persevere so that every person in this country have access to the human rights that actually make our country great. We must be grateful as it opens our hearts to kindness and inspires us to provide to others.
If we do not create a space for gratitude in our lives, we will become complacent. We will take all we have for granted, losing perspective on what others need because we refuse to pick up our heads and look at all that is good in our lives. BUT if we refuse to forget our joys and privileges, we will never forget their value. AND if we know how valuable these are, we will not rest until everyone has them too.
Use gratitude as a weapon. Wield its message wildly in the face of those who hate. Show them that grateful hearts do not rest, do not give up. In a country that dedicates entire days to giving thanks, we have a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to continue the pursuit of life and liberty for all.
Approach each interaction with a giving heart. Be kind. Be proactive. Be a voice for those who need theirs amplified. Be vigilant. Be grateful.
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