A case Study on Gratitude
Once, I went to a small local store to buy some essentials. After collecting my items, I approached the vendor to pay the bill. As I handed over the payment, I remembered my manners and said “Thank you” to the vendor.
To the vendor it was a surprise! the vendor replied, “You are the first customer who has ever thanked me in all my years of running this store. I am so moved by your kindness that I want to give you something special in return.”
The vendor reached under the counter and pulled out a small box wrapped in shiny paper. He handed it to Jack and said, “This is a token of my appreciation for your gratitude. I hope it brings you as much joy as your thank you brought me.”
I was shocked and grateful for the unexpected gift. I unwrapped the box and found a delicious chocolate cake, Overwhelmed with emotions, I hugged the vendor and thanked him again.
From that day on, I made it a habit to always express gratitude, no matter how small the interaction may seem. I realized that a simple “thank you” can have a profound impact on someone’s day, and he wanted to spread that positivity wherever he went.
And as for the watch, I treasured it as a reminder of the power of gratitude and the kindness of strangers.
I will share my other story on gratitude that happened to me, especially the one which happened with Molvi Sahab and a grocery shopkeeper
A case study on children and teenagers! Connection of happiness and Gratitude research by American Universities. For further reading….
Think about
- Your body organs
- Relationships
- Basic needs and many more blessings in your life…..
Compare the traditions (Hadith: Supplications in Islam) and Modern Positive Psychology
Living in gratitude is the gateway to grace
Unknown
Acknowledging the good you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance
Unknown
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more
Melody
Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a gift and not giving it.
William Author
The more grateful I am, the more beauty I see
Marry Davis
It is not joy that makes us grateful; It is gratitude that makes us joyfull.
Davis Rast
Sharing the Story of Musa (PBUH)
Ways to Practice Gratitude and Ritual of Gratitude
There are so many ways that you can practice gratitude with your children, on Thanksgiving and beyond. Even the littlest kids can join in on some of these activities, and they should, because teaching and practicing gratitude starts young.
Donate to a Local Charity
Practicing gratitude isn’t just about recognizing the good in your own life, but extending it to others who are less fortunate than you.
Having your children prepare food to donate to a soup kitchen, or items to drop off at a homeless shelter or women’s shelter—and discussing why these places are in need of donations—is a wonderful lesson for your children. It will help them appreciate the many riches they have in life and instill in them a desire to make sure that no one goes without essentials like food, clothes, and shelter.
Personal Example Once I did in my school when I started my career as a Teacher
Go Through Your Closets and Donate (e.g I witnessed something amazing in Michigan State University)
Thanksgiving is a great time to take stock of what you have, clean out your closets, and donate to others. Have your child help you go through their clothes, toys, and even items in the pantry. Have them choose items that they no longer need or want, and have them accompany you to a church, charity, or another community establishment that is accepting donations for people in need this winter.
Do a Family Gratitude Sharing Circle
Many families spend time during or after Thanksgiving dinner saying what they are grateful for. You can simply have each family member go around the table and say one thing they are grateful for.
Or you can turn this into a bit of a game, where each family member writes what they are grateful for on a slip of paper, each slip of paper is tossed into a bowl, and then the “gratitude slips” are read out loud. Guests can even guess who wrote what.
Participate in a Neighborhood Clean-Up
Keeping a community clean is a group effort, and participating in a community clean-up is a great way to give back to your community, bond with others, and also take some time to appreciate the neighborhood you live in.
Neighborhood clean-ups may be held at beaches, parks, or along the sidewalk. They are a great way to meet new people and do your part to reduce pollution and garbage build-up in your area.
Create Care Packages (e.g Distribution of food in Masque in Saudi Arabia)
Now, more than ever, we are all acutely aware of the many wonderful essential workers who live in our community and serve us all. From doctors, nurses, and firefighters to teachers and grocery store employees—there are so many people that your family can reach out to and share gratitude with.
Send a plate of rice and dhal to your community hospital. Order a Biryani to send to your local firehouse. Send your local nurses’ association a gift basket. It’s a perfect time to show essential workers how much you care, that their pandemic efforts are not forgotten, and how well you understand how vital they are to the health and safety of us all.
Donate Money to a Cause You Believe In (e.g I refrain from professional beggars and give my charity to school peons)
There are so many charity organizations that are doing amazing work right now. From organizations that support families who are struggling financially, to charities that help support victims of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many places our kids might feel compelled to donate to.
Sit down with your child and ask them what causes are near to their heart, help them find a charity to donate to, and help them make the transaction. What a great learning opportunity, as well as a way to teach gratitude.
Write Thank You Notes
Besides essential workers, there are so many people in your child’s life who they might wish to thank. There is nothing more heartwarming than writing a thank you note. Have your child write one to their teacher, a clergyperson, their favorite librarian, or a grandparent.
Thank you notes from children don’t have to be fancy or lengthy. When your child sees how much their recipient gushes over the note, they will understand the power of a modest thank you.
Topic for Discussion
1. What Are the Benefits of Practicing Gratitude?
2. How Can We Show Gratitude to Others?
3. How Can We Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude?
4. What Are Some Ways to Express Gratitude?
5. How Does Gratitude Impact Our Relationships?
6. How Does Gratitude Impact Our Mental and Physical Health?
7. What Are Some Creative Ways to Show Gratitude?
8. What Are Some Examples of Gratitude in Everyday Life?
9. How Can We Incorporate Gratitude into Our Daily Lives?
10. What Are the Challenges of Practicing Gratitude? Gratitude as real worship!
Topic for Debate
1. Is Gratitude an Important Part of Life?
2. Is Gratitude Necessary for Success?
3. Is Gratitude a Learned Behavior?
4. Does Gratitude Lead to Happiness?
5. Is Gratitude a Universal Value?
6. Is Gratitude a Necessary Component of Morality?
7. Is Gratitude an Effective Tool for Conflict Resolution?
8. Is Gratitude a Form of Self-Care?
9. Is Gratitude a Tool for Overcoming Adversity?
10. Does Gratitude Enhance Social Connections?