Written By: Pulkit Sood (B.Tech, GNDU, Punjab): Do you see others and think that they have got everything but not you? Are you not satisfied with what you have got? Do you know that you can fix this? Is it possible?
Yes, you can simply fix this by doing gratitude journalism . So what is it exactly? Gratitude journalism means the record of things for which you are grateful for by writing them everyday or frequently over a long time.
I have seen many people who are itchy, devastated, puzzled, sad for no reason. Actually the thing is they just see the negative aspects of their life and do not see the positive one’s . They never thank for what they have got but always criticize for what they have not got. You will see these people are always complaining and doing nothing. I know that there are some chapters in the story of life which do not go as planned but it doesn’t mean that the entire story is spoiled.
I have a story to tell you all who are reading . Once a very wealthy devotee lived in a certain city. He was rich , yet deeply devoted. An ascetic arrived in the city and set up a place outside its boundaries to begin his spiritual practice . The devotee reflected on his life —- he possessed immense wealth, a wonderful family and every resource and felt he needed nothing more. He felt inspired to visit the ascetic and asked him to convey a message to god that he requires nothing further and the share of blessings meant for him should instead be given to someone else in need. During the meditation , ascetic conveyed the message of the devotee to god. God replied that he could not simply stop providing him because he shows gratitude for what he receives and what he is going to receive. God added , “If he stops being grateful for what he receives or will receive , then I assure you , I would suddenly stop giving to him”.
Ascetic told the devotee what god said . Devotee replied that he could not stop showing gratitude towards what all he is receiving in his life. Just then a poor man arrives. He was barely clothed , he was full of ingratitude and emaciated. He was criticizing god for his condition. He told ascetic that he is not able to do any work and not able to provide good living to his family. He asked the ascetic the reason for his sufferings.
Suddenly the wind started blowing and all the clothes of the man were blown off by the wind. The said to the ascetic to see what god is doing with him. The ascetic told him that the thing is he is not showing gratitude to what he has got and always criticizing for what he has not got , that is why he is suffering. He should thank god for what he has got . Because it is the principle of god that he stops giving to those who do not show gratitude.
So, now you have understand that showing gratitude is must. Alright , let me tell you a best method for doing so. GRATITUDE JOURALISM — Take a pen and a copy and start writing about the things you have got , how they help you making your work easier and what if you were not having that thing. Now many people reading this article will say that it is nonsense. But I will request you to try it just for 7 to 10 days. Like afterwards you can write weekly. Now the question arises that on what things we should write. You can write on anything , you can write for specs you are wearing, you can write on the sleepers you are wearing, you can write about the pen with which you are writing, you can write about your couch on which you sit , you can write about anything.
When you will start showing gratitude towards the things your mind will feel relaxed and you will see yourself joy. Remember, you have certain things that no one else has. Remember, you have the things that others wish they had.
So, be happy with what you are having in life and start showing gratitude towards them. This is the only way you can fix yourself. This is the only way to live life peacefully. This is the only way to make your life meaningful.
