Like a Porsche speeding on the fast lane, we rush through life driven by the thought: faster, further, higher, better. In a world that constantly strives for more, it's easy to get lost in the endless cycle of desiring and wanting. We chase after the next big success, the next promotion, the next purchase – always hoping that the next goal will bring us the fulfillment we seek. Yet, often we forget to pause and look back on the journey we've already made.

 

What would our thoughts be if we suddenly became seriously ill? What would then be important to us? Would we still be so obsessed with the next project, the higher position, more salary, the better car?

 

Last week was the anniversary of my younger sister's death, a very difficult day for me. Every year, these are the days when I think about dying, about what's truly important in life – days when I'm simply grateful to be here, to be healthy, to have a beautiful, healthy family, and to be able to give and receive love, to feel life. On these days, I become more reflective and learn to appreciate everything that otherwise seems so taken for granted.

 

I am GRATEFUL.

 

The art of gratitude lies in shifting our focus from what we lack to what we already possess. It's about recognizing the value in what we have, rather than in what we lack. This can profoundly enrich our lives and give us a sense of peace and contentment that is hard to achieve through external success alone.

 

Gratitude encourages us to see the beauty in the small things – whether it's in a smile, a sunset, the warmth of a hug, or the power of a loving gaze. It allows us to appreciate our achieved goals, recognize our work and our abilities, as well as appreciate the achievements of the people around us. Gratitude teaches us to see the good even in difficult times and thereby strengthens our resilience. By being grateful, we learn to appreciate life in its fullness, without constantly striving for more.

 

But how do we practice gratitude in everyday life? A simple start can be a gratitude journal, where we write down three things we're thankful for each day. This practice can change our perspective and help us find more joy in the here and now, but also understand what we've accomplished.

 

The challenge of gratitude is to make it a constant part of our lives, not only in moments of abundance but especially in times of scarcity. Cultivating it means actively adopting an attitude of appreciation and wonder towards life.

 

I encourage you to start not only by striving for what lies ahead but also by appreciating what has already been achieved. For in appreciating what we have, lies true wealth.

 

Reflection task: Take a moment today to think about three things in your life for which you are deeply grateful. How have these things enriched your life?