- Secular Sundays – Introduction
- Growth Mindset
- Environmental Stewardship
- The Importance of Gratitude
Continuing the Secular Sunday series the next topic is “The Importance of Gratitude.” With social media comparing others lives to our own, free two day shipping, and everything else it’s easy to get wrapped up in constantly wanting more. It’s important now, more than ever, to be grateful for what you already have. Easier said than done though, right? How do we go about it? Well let’s explore that!
Introduction
To start it off let’s first define “Gratitude” as the positive and appreciative attitude toward the things, situations, and people in our lives. There are many things we can go negative about but focusing on the positive and being appreciative of those things that are good is an important growth mindset to maintain for a happy and fulfilled life.
Introduction Activity
- Discuss how having gratitude for things big and small makes us feel.
- List some things (big or small) that we’re grateful for.
- List some situations that we’re grateful for.
- List some people that we’re grateful for.
Historical Examples
Example #1 – Anne Frank
Anne Frank was a German-born Jewish girl who had to hide along with her family in a cramped attic during the Nazi persecution. She could have focused on all the negatives of her situation but instead she focused on writing in her diary. She wrote countless times of how she was grateful for her situation, people and things even though her situation was about as bad as it could be.
With our situation much better than Anne Frank we can surely look to the positive things in our life and have gratitude like she did.
I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.
Anne Frank
I want to be useful or bring enjoyment to all people, even those I’ve never met.
Anne Frank
References:
Example #3 – Abraham Lincoln
Most people remember Abraham Lincoln for his accomplishments but he lived a life of failures and struggles. He was born into modest family, had two failed businesses, lost eight elections, and had faced many deaths of family and friends.
Even with all these struggles he continued to work hard and became the 16th president. As president the country split into two and faced the worst war the country has ever seen.
Despite all he went through Lincoln has many quotes showing gratitude and maintained a positive attitude. He would encourage others to do the same and showed gratitude for their hard work and sacrifices as well.
References
Historical Examples Activity
- Engage in a discussion about what we have learned from these historical examples.
- Discuss the values of resilience and gratitude in difficult circumstances.
- Discuss the values of humility and gratitude in leadership.
Conclusion – How can we have gratitude?
Below are some simple things we can start today to start practicing gratitude in our life.
1. Practice Positive Self-Talk
Gratitude starts with thinking positively about oneself. Speak kindly to yourself. When you catch yourself being self-critical, remind yourself of your positive qualities and accomplishments.
2. Start a Journal
Journaling or keeping a diary like Anne Frank is a great way to look back on the day and look for things to be grateful for. By writing them down it will help to reinforce the memory and build a habit of gratitude.
3. Look for opportunities to help others
When we are helping someone in need it will naturally prompt gratitude for that person and give us something to be grateful for in our day.
4. Read Gratitude Stories
Find books or stories that emphasize gratitude and read them. Discuss what you’ve learned with friends or family.
5. Set Gratitude Goals
Challenge yourself to set goals related to gratitude. For example, aim to express thanks to someone every day for a week.