November Thoughts and Themes

Virtue of the Month: Gratitude
Source: Virtues Matter

Gratitude is a constant attitude of thankfulness and appreciation for life as it unfolds. Living in the moment, we are open to abundance around us and within us. We express appreciation freely. We contemplate the richness of our life. We feast on beauty. We notice small graces and are thankful for daily gifts. In life’s trials, we seek to understand, to accept, and to learn. Gratitude is the essence of genuine happiness. It is a virtue we can never have too much of. Gratitude is a continual celebration of life.

The Practice of Gratitude

I am grateful for my life.

I perceive the blessings in each moment.

I continually express appreciation.

I reflect on the good things of life.

I find value in my tests.

I celebrate abundance.

I am happy.

Affirmation

I am thankful for the gift of Gratitude. It is the magnet of my joy.

Personal Reflection: David O. Fakunle, Ph.D.

The month of November centers around an especially important holiday for me, that being Thanksgiving. Aside from the bounty of delicious food that I eat until I can barely breathe, I really look forward to being in space with a lot of my family. Whether it is hopping from house to house making sure you catch up with as many people as possible, relaxing on the couch watching football (or football watching us sleep), or partying to whatever random song pops up on the speaker, those moments are what remind me of why life is worth it. 

As I share with my public health students, the answer to why we are in the field, why we do the research, why we engage in the practice, why we advocate and champion and why we teach, is usually a who. That is certainly the case for me, as I want everyone to have a fair chance at consistent and sustainable moments of joy, happiness and gratitude. Now more than ever, we must be grounded in thankfulness for the spectrum of blessings we may receive, and the best way to express gratitude is to give of yourself when the moment calls for it. I admit, it was hard for me to grasp that concept because I was concerned (honestly, scared) that I would not receive anything in return for being nice, or generous, or thoughtful, or empathetic. As with many lessons in life, time is the ultimate teacher, and in due time I learned that giving to receive is not the point. 

Giving is something we should do because the world is better for it, and we are better for it. With that spirit as a North Star, the Universe will provide when the moment calls for it. I would not say it if I did not have plenty of evidence to back it up, and the only evidence anyone could provide is their story. That is also the point.