How and why to Practice gratitude?

Gratitude, the simple act of being happy with what you have yet so hard to practice by many. Why so? Because the grass is always greener on the other side? Because there’s always something new and shiny you want? Because there’s always a new country you want to explore? You always want to be a better version of yourself? There’s always a role model you want to be more like? I take great offense to a person always wanting more including myself but I am learning now to be more content and satisfied with what I have. I have been reading about gratitude and self-love and how to create a positive experience for yourself and there is one particular notion that I strongly agree with. It is written by the philosopher Alan Watts and it says “The desire for a more positive experience is itself a negative experience. And, paradoxically, the acceptance of one’s negative experience is itself a positive experience.”

I am going to try and break it down for you guys. According to Watts, you shouldn’t feel the need to pursue more and do more to feel better about yourself because when you are trying to pursue more you already feel like you’re lacking somewhere. A simple example could be Instagram where the more you look at these influencers and bloggers the more you want to adapt to their lifestyle and in the process, you’re neglecting your own lifestyle. You are putting yourself down by setting them on a higher pedestal whereas the two of you are completely different people, with different priorities and abilities. There is no comparison. The more desperately you want to be rich, the poorer and unworthy you feel, regardless of how much you actually make and the hard work you put in. The more desperately you try to look “hot” and “sexy”, the uglier you see yourself regardless of how truly beautiful you are. This is a neverending state of belittling yourself and it has got to stop somewhere.

So I say start, Start saying thank you and mean it, start feeling grateful for each and everything that you have and the things you have experienced throughout your life, be thankful for your surroundings, for the people you live with and see every day, for your friends and family who are the pillars of your life, for that uber driver who got you back home safe and sound, be thankful for each and everything and you’ll see what a positive impact it will create on your life.