Gratitude Really is Good for You. Here’s What the Science Shows.
I may only be a student, but my life also sometimes catches on fire.
If schoolwork were the entree of my academic course meal, then exams, assignments, competitions, and club activities are the appetizers, and how can I ever forget what’s for dessert: failure.
About a year ago, I failed to achieve an award at a math competition I had studied for weeks. My parents knew I worked hard to excel in the contest, so just by the look of my face they knew what had happened.
That’s when my mom told me:
“Your worth is not defined by results. What’s important is that you learn from the experiences and continue to keep pushing forward.”
From the day I was born, my parents have supported me no matter what.
And for that, I am forever grateful to my parents.
However, as Philip Watkins notes, “Feeling is only half of the equation, and expressing gratitude is equally important.
Reading this, I asked myself.
When was the last time I gave them a hug? When was the last time I wrote a letter of affection, a gift, or even a word?
My parents have shed sweat and tears to provide me with the best, and yet I cannot muster the courage to show gratitude because such actions or words may feel embarrassing?
I have dreams and passions.
I want to become a doctor, I want to travel the world, I want to experience as much as I can. But most importantly, I want to become someone who shows gratitude to those who have helped me become who I am.