Jacob's Story - The Change In My Mindset

I don't know where I would be if it weren't for the people in my life who showed me what gratitude was. I now know what gratitude is because I've seen other people live it out. It is important to have an attitude of gratitude.

For instance, when my dad was sick, I took care of him because he needed someone to care for him while he was weak. When he got better, he showed me his gratitude through his words and actions. He made a good steak dinner for me and expressed how grateful he was. He told me that if I ever got sick, he'd care for me like I did for him. It feels good to hear someone say you did well and offer to repay you in the future. However, the second part isn't necessarily needed; your actions will speak louder than your words.

I first realized the importance of gratitude when I was hanging out with a friend who's a paraplegic. She had no legs, yet she still showed her gratitude by saying something like, "At least I still have arms!" When a situation seems bleak and hopeless, she always seems to find the good in every situation. She has shown that she knows how to wear gratitude.

To have an attitude of gratitude is, I think, to somehow see the good in everything and never stop being grateful for everything. Sometimes, not being grateful is like saying, "I don't appreciate what you've done for me! You need to do more to make me happy!" Or, at least that's what it can feel like. Being ungrateful brings a spirit of dissatisfaction into the room.

I truly believe that there is good in everyone. I also believe that there is a spirit of completeness that comes with having an attitude of gratitude. To have gratitude is like having a friend or a power besides yourself to help guide you through the challenges of life.