Why Should I Be Thankful?

John Harrison was the picture of success. At 45, he was the CEO of a thriving tech company, living in a luxury downtown penthouse with all the trappings of wealth. But beneath the surface, his life was far from perfect.

His days were consumed with endless meetings and phone calls, leaving little room for anything else. Despite his financial success, John was growing increasingly frustrated. His team was often behind schedule, and his business strategies felt off-track. At home, his family relationships had become brief, tense exchanges instead of meaningful conversations.

John’s dissatisfaction began to taint everything. Achievements that once made him proud now felt empty. He had grown irritable, focusing only on his life’s flaws. It was during one particularly bad week, when everything felt like it was unraveling, that things started to change.

One Monday, Alex, a junior analyst in John’s company, stopped by his office. Alex wasn’t known for his career accomplishments—he wasn’t on the executive track—but he was widely respected for something else: his attitude.

“Hey, John,” Alex said with a casual smile. “Thanks for letting me work on that project last week. It was a great learning experience.”

John, caught off guard, grunted a reply. “Just part of the job,” he muttered. But Alex continued, undeterred.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said in the meeting last month—about being thankful for the little things, even when things aren’t perfect.”

John looked up, his curiosity piqued. Alex shared a bit about his own life—a modest apartment and paycheck, yet he was filled with gratitude for small victories and support from friends and family. His perspective was one John hadn’t considered.

By the end of the conversation, John was reflecting on his own life. Alex’s simple but profound approach made John realize he had been focusing too much on what was wrong, overlooking the good in his life. Alex’s joy made John reconsider his own mindset.

Slowly, John began shifting his perspective. He started taking moments each day to appreciate the positives—his dedicated team, his loving family, and even small daily wins. At first, the changes were subtle, but soon they became noticeable.

Gratitude didn’t just change John’s mood—it transformed his life. His relationships with his team and family improved, and he found a renewed sense of purpose at work.

The Benefits of Thankfulness

John’s transformation is something anyone can experience. Research shows that gratitude offers wide-ranging benefits. Physically, it lowers stress and boosts immunity. Psychologically, it promotes a more positive outlook and reduces anxiety and depression. Socially, gratitude enhances relationships by fostering empathy and reducing conflict. Gratitude can also improve overall well-being, making people feel more connected and fulfilled.

Incorporating gratitude into your life doesn’t require grand gestures. Simply acknowledging the efforts of others, appreciating small joys, or keeping a gratitude journal can shift your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant. This shift can positively impact every aspect of your life.

Next time life feels overwhelming, remember John’s story. Embrace thankfulness, and you might be surprised by how much it transforms your world.

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Footnotes:

1.        Ika, K. and Kustanti, E. (2018). Should i be grateful?: gratitude and teachers' mental health of children with special educational needs (sen).. https://doi.org/10.2991/acpch-17.2018.8

2.        Taylor, Z.,  et al (2022). Strengths of the heart: stressors, gratitude, and mental health in single mothers during the covid-19 pandemic.. Journal of Family Psychology, 36(3), 346-357. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0000928

3.        Luo, Y., et al (2023). The influence of gratitude on depressive symptoms among Chinese college students during the COVID-19 pandemic: the moderating effect of psychological capital. Psychology in the Schools, 60(7), 2447-2459. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22867