Earlier last year I wrote about gratitude and how it can change our attitude into a more humble but powerful weapon to help us overcome negative thoughts, and moods of sadness or depression. When we are grateful for even the smallest things that we have it truly helps to lift our spirits, and helps us to recognize the negative circumstances that are trying to bring us down. Several years ago while teaching inmates at Valley State Prison for Women I had the honor to write and read a poem at a Saturday Juneteenth Celebration. I called the poem “The Spirit of Gratitude.” I’ve included the poem below.
The Spirit of Gratitude
Why should I give thanks? I don’t feel very thankful. Thankful for what? I’ve made a mess of my life, and there’s nothing to be thankful for.
Just give thanks. As you think of things to be thankful for such as your children, your friends, your health, your thoughts become more positive and your focus shifts on what you have and not what you lack.
The more you give thanks and think of all the things you have the shift in your attitude slowly begins to reflect your new spirit of gratitude.
It takes courage to change your focus from bitterness and resentment to gratitude and thankfulness. Courage because to go from being resentful or bitter to being thankful you must learn to forgive. You can’t truly have an attitude of gratitude without a forgiving heart.
That’s the beauty of gratitude. It teaches you that you can’t truly be grateful for what you have until you let go of any bitterness or resentment you hold on your heart.
Martin Luther King Jr., Bishop Tutu, and Mandela in spite of all that they have been through were able to find a forgiving spirit within and were so grateful for what they did have. The secret to having more them anything is to continue to give thanks for the things that you do have. Each time you give thanks more will come your way.
So be thankful and grateful for everything you do have. If you feel you have nothing to be thankful for begin by giving thanks for today. You are alive and will be here for at least one more day. Make it a day of gratitude. And your life will never be the same.
The intent I had when I wrote this poem was to encourage anyone who was feeling frustration, feeling sorry for themselves, anger,could find a better way to deal with these feelings. A sense of gratitude will help a person overcome some of these negative feeling. In any case be grateful each day, and it’s a great way to start the morning. Until the next time enjoy your happy grateful day. Carbie.
The One-Minute Prisoner 