Your Underrated Superpower

“A proof that gratitude is desirable for itself lies in the fact that ingratitude is to be avoided for itself, because no vice more powerfully rends asunder and destroys the union of the human race.” (Seneca, On Benefits, XVIII)

Seneca warned us about the downfalls of ingratitude and highlighted that one of our greatest powers is choosing to be grateful. Most of us forget this truth: that being grateful is what can make us unstoppable. The research on the transformative power of gratitude is abundant; the physical and mental health benefits are numerous. Beyond this, choosing to feel grateful is a way of always seeing what you have as enough. While ingratitude colors a situation with misery, despair, and hopelessness, gratitude shines a light of hope. It is the pathway to perseverance and peace. It is precisely in the mundane, depressing, or challenging moments that we find it most difficult to summon a sense of gratitude. Yet, these are the times we must choose it most strongly. When things are going in our favor, then we find it easy to feel grateful. We push off shaping a habit of gratitude because we silently tell ourselves to wait for things to be perfect. This life, however, is not one of perfection, and in waiting for perfection we put off truly living. Seek gratitude in all things.