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The Power of Gratitude: Inspiring Positive Action

Camilla Edwards  included in  category Lifestyle
     4064 words   20 minutes 
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Have you ever noticed how easy it is for our brains to focus on the negative? It’s like our minds have a special talent for finding things to be annoyed about. I can relate—I tend to remember that single insult over the 100 compliments I receive. And it turns out, I’m not alone in this. Research suggests that our brains are wired to pay more attention to the negative aspects of life.

While this might have been useful back when we were cave-dwelling humans trying to avoid predators, it’s definitely not the best way to approach life today. In fact, this negative bias plays a significant role in anxiety and depression. So, how can we combat this tendency of our brains to dwell on the negative?

One powerful weapon, according to numerous studies, is gratitude. Knowing this, I decided to start a new tradition in my household a couple of years ago. Before every meal with my wife and kids, I began saying a prayer of thanksgiving. Now, I’m agnostic, so instead of thanking God, I expressed gratitude towards the people who helped make the food a reality. I would say things like, “I’d like to thank the farmer who grew these tomatoes, and the trucker who drove them to the store, and the cashier who rang them up.”

At first, I thought this tradition was going pretty well. But then, one day, my ten-year-old son challenged me. He said, “You know, Dad, those people aren’t in our apartment. They can’t hear you. If you really cared, you would go and thank them in person.” I found his idea intriguing.

As a writer, I enjoy going on adventures and quests for my books. So, I decided to take up my son’s challenge, but with a twist. I would focus on just one item—something I couldn’t live without: my morning cup of coffee. Little did I know that this seemingly simple task would turn into a months-long journey that took me around the world.

I discovered that my coffee wouldn’t be possible without the contribution of hundreds of people. I expressed my gratitude to the trucker who transported the coffee beans to the shop, but then I realized he couldn’t have done his job without the road. So, I thanked the people who paved the road, and the ones who made the asphalt for the pavement. It dawned on me that my coffee, like so many other things in the world, requires the combined effort of an astonishing number of people from different walks of life—architects, biologists, designers, miners, goatherds, and more.

This project, which I called “Thanks a Thousand,” overwhelmed me in the best possible way. It allowed me to shift my focus from the three or four things that go wrong each day to the hundreds of things that go right. It reminded me of the astounding interconnectedness of our world. I learned numerous lessons throughout this project, but let me share five of them with you today.

I have always had a knack for finding things to be annoyed about. It’s like a specialty of mine—spotting the tiniest imperfections and dwelling on them. But I recently learned that this tendency is not unique to me. In fact, research suggests that our human brains are wired to focus on the negative. It might have served us well in ancient times when we needed to avoid predators, but in today’s world, it’s not the best way to go through life. This negative bias plays a significant role in anxiety and depression.

So, armed with this knowledge, I decided to take action and fight against my brain’s negative bias. A few years ago, I started a new tradition in my household—a tradition centered around gratitude. Before every meal with my wife and kids, I initiated a moment of thanksgiving. Now, I should clarify that I’m agnostic, so instead of thanking a higher power, I expressed my gratitude towards the people who played a role in bringing the food to our table.

I vividly remember those moments—the anticipation in the air as we gathered around the table. I would close my eyes and say, “I’d like to thank the farmer who grew these tomatoes, and the trucker who drove them to the store, and the cashier who rang them up.” It felt good to acknowledge the efforts of these individuals, even if they weren’t physically present with us.

For a while, I thought this tradition was going well. It seemed like a meaningful way to grow gratitude. But then, one day, my ten-year-old son challenged me. He pointed out that those people I thanked weren’t actually in our apartment—they couldn’t hear me. His innocent observation struck a chord within me.

Curiosity sparked, I pondered his words. What if I took this tradition a step further? What if I went out and personally thanked the people involved in making something I couldn’t live without? It didn’t take long for me to decide on the perfect item: my morning cup of coffee.

Little did I know that embarking on this seemingly simple quest would turn into an eye-opening adventure that spanned months and took me around the world. I soon realized that my beloved coffee was the result of the collective efforts of countless individuals. From the trucker who transported the coffee beans to the shop, to the road workers who paved the way, to the farmers who grew the beans—each person played a crucial role in bringing that warm cup of caffeinated bliss to my lips.

I dubbed this project “Thanks a Thousand” because, in the end, I ended up expressing gratitude to over a thousand people. It was overwhelming, but in the most wonderful way. This project allowed me to shift my focus from the few things that go wrong each day to the hundreds of things that go right. It opened my eyes to the astonishing interconnectedness of our world.

Throughout this journey, I learned many valuable lessons. But today, let me share just five of them with you. These lessons have had a profound impact on my perspective and have transformed the way I approach gratitude in my daily life.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned during my gratitude journey was the importance of looking up and connecting with others. It all began when I decided to express my gratitude to the barista at my local coffee shop, Joe Coffee in New York. Her name is Chung, and let me tell you, she’s one of the most upbeat and enthusiastic people you’ll ever meet. With a big smile and a hug ready for anyone, she brightens up the place.

But being a barista is not an easy job, even for someone like Chung. You see, coffee shops are often filled with people in a dangerous state—precaffeination, as I like to call it. I’ve witnessed customers yelling at Chung until she cried, including a nine-year-old girl who didn’t appreciate the whipped cream design on her hot chocolate. It was heart-wrenching to see the way some people treated her.

When I expressed my gratitude to Chung for her hard work, she surprised me by thanking me in return. She appreciated the recognition and acknowledgment of her efforts. It was a small moment, but it reminded me of the significance of connecting with people and treating them as human beings.

It made me realize that even I had been guilty of treating people like vending machines at times. Handing over my credit card without looking up from my phone, completely disconnected from the person on the other side. Chung’s words touched deeply within me, and I made a pledge to myself—to take those two precious seconds and make eye contact when dealing with people. Those moments of connection remind us that we’re interacting with fellow human beings who have their own families, aspirations, and embarrassing high school memories.

Looking up and connecting with others is not only important for their happiness and sense of humanity, but it also improves our own lives. It’s a simple gesture that can make a world of difference. So, next time you’re in a coffee shop, at the grocery store, or anywhere else, take those few seconds to truly see the person in front of you. It’s a small act of kindness that can brighten someone’s day and deepen our own appreciation for the interconnectedness of humanity.

Let me share with you one of the most delightful lessons I learned on my gratitude journey—the art of savoring the experience of coffee. It all began when I expressed my gratitude to Ed Kaufmann, the man responsible for selecting the coffee served at my local coffee shop.

Ed’s passion for coffee is contagious, and he travels around the world, from South America to Africa, in search of the finest coffee beans. When I thanked Ed for his dedication, he graciously showed me how to taste coffee like a pro. It turns out that sipping coffee is not just a casual act—it’s a ritual.

With a spoon in hand, you dip it into the coffee, and then you take a big, loud slurp—almost comically loud. The reason behind this seemingly odd behavior is to spread the coffee all over your mouth, ensuring that it touches every taste bud on the sides and roof of your mouth. This is how you truly experience the flavors.

As Ed demonstrated this coffee-tasting ritual, his face would light up with excitement. He would describe the coffee’s complex notes, saying things like, “This coffee tastes like Honeycrisp apple with hints of soil and maple syrup.” But when I took a sip, I must admit, I mostly tasted… well, coffee. (Laughs)

However, inspired by Ed’s passion, I decided to take a few extra seconds to let the coffee sit on my tongue. We’re all busy, but surely we can spare a few seconds to truly savor the texture, acidity, and sweetness of something we enjoy. I also began applying this practice of savoring to other aspects of my life, not just coffee.

Psychologists often talk about how gratitude is about taking a moment and holding onto it for as long as possible. It’s about slowing down time so that life doesn’t pass us by in one big blur. By savoring our experiences, whether it’s a sip of coffee or a bite of food, we grow a deeper sense of gratitude and awareness for the simple pleasures that surround us.

So, my friend, I invite you to join me in savoring the small moments of joy in your daily life. Take a moment to truly experience the flavors, textures, and sensations. Whether it’s your morning cup of tea, a piece of chocolate, or a walk in nature, let gratitude guide you to savor the present and find beauty in the seemingly ordinary.

Have you ever stopped to consider the hidden masterpieces that surround you in your daily life? I had the pleasure of discovering this profound lesson during my gratitude project. One of my most memorable conversations took place with the inventor of my coffee cup lid—someone I had never even given a second thought to before.

Doug Fleming, the inventor of the coffee cup lid, shared his passion and dedication with me. He poured his blood, sweat, and tears into perfecting a lid that would enhance the coffee-drinking experience. And you know what? It worked! According to Doug, a bad lid can ruin the aroma, which is a vital part of the coffee-drinking experience. He designed a lid with an upside-down hexagon that allows you to get your nose right in there, capturing the maximum aroma.

Talking to Doug made me realize that there are hundreds of hidden masterpieces all around us that we often take for granted. We fail to appreciate the intricate design, the thoughtfulness, and the effort that goes into creating even the simplest things. Take, for example, the on-off switch on my desk lamp. It has a small indentation perfectly shaped to fit my thumb, making it so much easier to use. These subtle details often go unnoticed, but they contribute to a seamless and enjoyable experience.

When something is done well, the process behind it tends to fade into the background. We rarely think about it. But paying attention to these hidden masterpieces taps into our sense of wonder and improves our lives. It opens our eyes to the craftsmanship and ingenuity that exists all around us, even in the seemingly mundane objects we interact with daily.

So, my dear reader, I encourage you to pause and take notice of the hidden masterpieces in your own life. Whether it’s the way a door handle feels in your hand, the clever design of a utensil, or the intricate patterns on a piece of clothing, appreciate the artistry and intentionality behind these everyday objects. By doing so, you’ll develop a deeper sense of gratitude for the world of hidden masterpieces that often go unnoticed.

Let me share with you a powerful lesson I learned during my gratitude project—the power of acting grateful. As I delved deeper into my journey of expressing gratitude, I found myself in a state of what I can only describe as a “thanking frenzy.” I would wake up each morning and spend hours writing emails, sending notes, making phone calls, and even visiting people to thank them for their role in my coffee experience.

Now, I have to admit, not everyone reacted the way I anticipated. Some people were skeptical, thinking it was some sort of pyramid scheme or wondering what I wanted from them. But to my surprise, most people were genuinely moved by my expressions of gratitude. One particular phone call stands out in my memory—the conversation I had with the woman responsible for pest control at the warehouse where my coffee is stored.

During that call, I thanked her for keeping the bugs out of my coffee. It may sound strange, but her response touched me. She said, “Well, that does sound strange, but you just made my day.” It was like an anti-crank phone call, a moment of connection that uplifted both of us.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson. When we act as if we’re grateful, even if we’re not feeling it in that moment, something magical happens. Our actions begin to transform our thoughts and feelings. By consciously expressing gratitude, we can shift our mindset and genuinely become more grateful individuals.

Now, I want to be clear—I’m not claiming to be a saint. I still have my selfish moments like anyone else. However, this project made me more aware of the exploitation within the supply chain and the luxuries I take for granted. It reminded me that clean water, for example, is not readily available to millions of people worldwide, while I can simply turn on a lever and have safe water.

This awareness sparked a desire within me to do more, to make a difference. I conducted research and discovered an amazing organization called Dispensers for Safe Water. I got involved in their mission to provide safe water access to those in need. It may be a small step, but it’s a step in the right direction—a step fueled by gratitude.

So, my friend, I encourage you to hug the power of acting grateful. Even if you’re not feeling it right away, express gratitude and see how it transforms your perspective. You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment or grand gestures. It can be as simple as making eye contact with someone, sending a note to express appreciation, or taking action to support a cause that touches with you. Let gratitude be your catalyst for positive change in your life and the lives of others.

Let me share with you one of the most eye-opening lessons I learned during my gratitude project—the concept of practicing six degrees of gratitude. It all started when I traveled to Colombia to express my gratitude to the farmers who grow the coffee beans I cherish. The journey took me through winding cliffside roads, with each hairpin turn making me hold my breath. To my relief, the driver would do the sign of the cross before each turn, hoping for a safe passage. I couldn’t help but think, “Thank you for that. But can you please keep your hands on the wheel? I’m terrified here!” (Laughs)

Finally, we arrived at a small mountain town where I met the Guarnizo brothers, who run a modest coffee farm. They produce exceptional coffee and are paid above fair-trade prices for their beans. As they showed me the process of coffee cultivation, I expressed my gratitude to them for their hard work. Their response surprised me—they humbly explained that they couldn’t do their job without the support of countless others.

The machine that depulps the coffee fruit, for instance, is made in Brazil. The pickup truck they drive around the farm is made from parts sourced from all over the world. It struck me that a cup of coffee isn’t just the result of the Guarnizo brothers’ labor—it represents the collaboration and interconnectedness of a global community.

This realization inspired me to delve even deeper into the gratitude trail. I traveled to Indiana to thank the steelmakers who contribute to the production of coffee-related machinery. It became apparent that making a simple cup of coffee requires the collective efforts of people from various corners of the globe. The United States exports steel to Colombia, and without the steelmakers’ contribution, my coffee experience would not be possible.

This exploration of the interconnectedness of our world opened my eyes to the bigger picture. Yes, globalization and the global economy have their downsides, but the long-term benefits far outweigh them. Progress is real, and over the past 50 years, poverty rates have declined worldwide. It’s crucial that we resist the temptation to retreat into isolationism and instead hug the beauty of our interconnected world.

Which brings me to my final point—a heartfelt hope that we can use gratitude as a spark for action. Some may worry that gratitude can lead to complacency, but research suggests the opposite. The more grateful we are, the more likely we are to help others. When we’re caught up in our own struggles, it’s easy to become self-focused. But gratitude has the power to shift our perspective and make us want to pay it forward.

This project, as it did for me, may not turn us all into saints, but it has the potential to make us better than we were before. It reminds us of the countless people who contribute to our daily lives and the privileges we often take for granted. It awakens our empathy and calls us to action.

So, my dear reader, let us use gratitude as a catalyst for change. Follow your own gratitude trails, discover the interconnectedness of our world, and take small steps to make a difference. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture; even the tiniest act of kindness can have a ripple effect. Together, let’s grow a spirit of gratitude and foster a brighter, more compassionate world for all.

Gratitude has the power to ignite a spark within us, driving us to take meaningful action. During my gratitude project, I discovered that expressing gratitude is not just about feeling thankful; it can propel us to make a real difference in the world.

Some people worry that gratitude may lead to complacency, making us too content with our circumstances. However, research suggests quite the opposite. The more grateful we are, the more likely we are to extend a helping hand to others. When we grow gratitude, we become more aware of the needs and struggles of those around us. We develop a genuine desire to pay it forward and make a positive impact.

Reflecting on my own journey, I must admit that I’m no saint. I still have my moments of selfishness like anyone else. However, the act of expressing gratitude transformed me in subtle yet significant ways. It made me acutely aware of the exploitation that exists within supply chains and the luxuries I often take for granted.

For instance, I realized that clean water, which I can access with a simple turn of a lever, is a luxury denied to millions around the world. This awareness prompted me to seek ways to make a difference. I researched and found an incredible organization called Dispensers for Safe Water. Getting involved with their mission to provide safe water access to those in need became my small contribution to a larger cause.

Now, I’m not expecting accolades or recognition for my actions. It’s not about receiving awards; it’s about hugging gratitude as a driving force for positive change. Each of us has the power to create ripples of kindness and compassion in our own unique way.

So, my friend, I invite you to harness the power of gratitude as a catalyst for action. Let gratitude inspire you to look beyond yourself and see the needs of others. It could be as simple as lending a helping hand to someone in need, volunteering for a cause close to your heart, or supporting organizations that strive to make the world a better place.

Remember, gratitude is not meant to make us complacent; it’s meant to ignite a flame of empathy and motivate us to take meaningful steps forward. Let’s hug gratitude as a driving force, creating a ripple effect of kindness, compassion, and positive change in our communities and beyond. Together, we can make a difference.

Gratitude is a transformative force that has the power to shape our perspectives, uplift our spirits, and inspire positive action. Throughout my gratitude project, I learned valuable lessons that have left a lasting impact on my outlook on life.

We discovered that our brains are wired to focus on the negative, but by consciously growing gratitude, we can counteract this negativity bias. Gratitude allows us to shift our focus to the countless things that go right each day, rather than dwelling on the few things that go wrong. It opens our eyes to the interconnectedness of our world and helps us appreciate the efforts of the many people involved in even the simplest aspects of our lives.

We explored the art of savoring, taking a moment to truly appreciate and immerse ourselves in the experiences that bring us joy. By slowing down and paying attention to the details, we can find deeper levels of gratitude and improve our daily lives.

We delved into the hidden masterpieces that surround us, recognizing the craftsmanship and thoughtfulness behind everyday objects. From coffee cup lids to door handles, these seemingly ordinary items are the result of meticulous design and countless hours of labor. Expressing gratitude for these hidden masterpieces can enhance our appreciation for the beauty in the world.

Acting grateful, even when we may not feel it initially, has the power to transform our thoughts and emotions. By expressing gratitude to others and taking time to acknowledge their contributions, we not only uplift their spirits but also grow a genuine sense of gratitude within ourselves. This gratitude can inspire us to make a positive difference, no matter how small, in the lives of others.

Lastly, we explored the concept of practicing six degrees of gratitude, understanding that our actions and choices impact a global community. The world is interconnected, and by recognizing the efforts of people from various walks of life, we can hug the beauty of our shared humanity and resist the temptations of isolationism.

In conclusion, gratitude is a powerful tool that can improve our lives and inspire us to create a brighter, more compassionate world. By fostering gratitude within ourselves and expressing it to others, we can transform our mindset and take meaningful action. Let us hug gratitude as a guiding force, appreciating the simple joys, acknowledging the contributions of others, and using our actions to make a positive difference. Together, we can create a ripple effect of gratitude and kindness that touches far beyond ourselves.

Updated on 2023-05-13
 GratitudeJourney, PositiveAction, FindingJoy, Interconnectedness, TransformativePower
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