Gratitude is one of the most powerful happiness producers. Sometimes, it’s easy to feel consumed by hatred, anger and despair1. If we don’t like our life and hate people around us, our ungrateful lifestyle may lead us to nowhere. We can be genuinely2 happy only when we feel gratitude in our heart and allow it to flow to every part of our body.
Here are some gratitude quotes which will bring a smile to your heart:
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.…”
Melody Beattie
This American author says that gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial3 into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion4 to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.
When we appreciate what we have, our life seems to be rich and successful. Money will never buy happiness, but still people strive5 to have more regardless of anything. They lose friends, family members, kind hearts and souls because of money. Grateful heart can turn anything bad into good.
“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current6 situation.…”
Brian Tracy
These words hit home. The power of thankfulness is potent. It works wonders and heals souls. Be thankful for your mistakes because they help you become wiser. Be thankful for your success today because you may lose it tomorrow. Life is unpredictable but gratitude makes the worst times easier.
“One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings.”
Carl Jung
Jung went on saying, “The curriculum7 is a much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital8 element for growing plants and for the soul of the child. Even a random stranger can teach you valuable things you have never noticed. Be thankful to others for everything they do for you – be it an enemy or a friend.”
DEBATE:
In this article, a few gratitude quotes have been mentioned. Do you agree with all of them? Choose one you agree with and one you consider strange. Discuss it at your English lesson.
Give your own definition of gratitude.
What are you grateful for?
Do you express your gratitude on a daily basis? What for and who to?
What features of human character do you appreciate most?
What features of human character do you consider annoying?
Janka Něničková
VOCABULARY: 1 zúfalstvo, beznádej – zoufalství, beznaděj; 2 naozaj – opravdu; 3 odmietnutie – odmítnutí; 4 zmätok – zmatek; 5 usilovať – usilovat; 6 súčasný – současný; 7 študijný plán, osnovy – studijní plán, osnovy; 8 životne dôležitý – životně důležitý;