The Power of Gratitude!

While talking with you for few minutes, I felt the conversation you wanted to have was not the one we were having. That there was something you wanted to talk about but, at the same time, it was hard for you to introduce the theme. But, as the conversation progressed, you finally decided to go ahead.

Do you know why I'm here? Because I want you to help me to lose my fear! The fear that freezes me, that keeps me awake at night, that always follows me. Behind my success, there is the fear of failing. The fear of ceasing to be important to my company. The fear of my family becoming accustomed to my absences. The fear of losing my identity, and transforming myself into something I do not want to be.

As I listened to you, I realized how painful this was for you. Not because you were telling me, but because of what was happening to your body. Your hands were sweating; your voice was trembling; your eyes were sad.

From that moment on, we engaged in a conversation about fear, and the role of gratitude, as an antidote to fear. Gratitude, unlike fear, does not paralyze. Gratitude leads us to be alert and enjoy the little things that happen to us. Such as hugging our children, experiencing the sunset, sipping a coffee, or celebrating a professional achievement.

While I was saying this, you sketched a smile. But behind that smile, you kept asking yourself how is it possible to be in life like that. Although it made sense, you were stuck on how hard it can be from an emotional point of view.

The pressure for success, the expectations we create for ourselves and the others, and the system we live in. Everything contributes to shaping who we can be. But does it have to be like that?

What if, instead of starting the day thinking about all that can go wrong, we focus on the opportunities the day will bring? Wouldn’t that make us happier?

What if, when we are savoring the breakfast, we think about all the people who made that moment possible and thank them. Wouldn’t that make us more human?

What if at the end of the day, we spent 5 minutes writing all the things that life has given us. Wouldn’t that make us more grateful?

I believe so! As I believe we are free to choose if we want to act out from fear or gratitude!