I once watched a documentary called The Power of Gratitude. The man featured in the documentary, a father of two, was constantly depressed and heavily reliant on alcohol. The turning point in his life came when he began keeping a gratitude journal. As he started writing down the things he was thankful for, he quit drinking. Day by day, he shared his gratitude with his children, and their home became filled with harmony. The biggest change was in his expression—he now smiled brightly and joyfully. People around him praised him, saying, “I want to live a life like yours,” as they watched him find joy in even the smallest things.
The man shared the secret to his transformation:
“Actually, nothing about my circumstances changed. But once I cultivated a heart of gratitude, I changed, my surroundings changed, and my entire life changed.”
Such was the immense power of gratitude. Reflecting on it, I realize that I, too, have countless reasons to be thankful. Although I live in the cold of Russia, I am grateful for the chance to see the beautiful white snow. I am grateful for being healthy and free from illness. As I search for reasons to be thankful and offer prayers of gratitude to God, I find my face brightening and my stress easing — and for that, I am even more thankful. I want to be someone who consistently practices gratitude, changing myself, those around me, and even the world.