Monday, November 28, 2011

MWF, 9am

29 comments:

Torrance Kendrick said...

Honestly, gratitude can take you a long way in life, similar to giving back as a act of showing your appreciation for what was givin to you, gratitude is expressed in so many different ways. I am a big believer in using the power of gratitude to create positive changes. Being constantly aware of your many blessings, and feeling grateful for them, can have a huge impact on the quality of your life. She you are filled with appreciation, it quite literally change the dynamic of your reality. I find it truly amazing how one, simple, positive action can change so much in a person's life. in fact, recognizing the profound power of gratitude is on of the things that have had a huge affect in my life. It had made me a more positive and caring person. I can honestly say that in some very tangible ways, gratitude has made my life better.

bethmarie89 said...

When I first moved to Miami I served as an AmeriCorps member with a non-profit organization. The program took 17-24 year olds and brought them together to tutor and mentor children in inner city schools. I remember once having a discussion with some of my coworkers about the issue of receiving a “thank you” for our service. It was stated that while we never expect a “thank you,” receiving one sure does make you feel a whole lot better about yourself and what you are doing! Everyone agreed except one person in the room. He was dead set and very sure that he could not care a single bit if anyone thanked or rewarded him for the work he does. He was very persistent and unwilling to accept any counter arguments that a simple thank you really does make you feel better about what you do.
Whether or not my former coworker’s insistence that he was involved in service work with absolutely no selfish motives can remain up for debate. However there is no denying that many people simply do good things because they know they will get something in return. My time spent as an AmeriCorps member certainly helped shape numerous children’s lives, but I would be lying if I didn’t say it had improved my life ten times more than I helped anyone else. I met many people during my service years who would never have cared to tutor children simply to be a good person. They chose to join the program as a resume builder and to earn the education award; but after they spent time giving back their opinions on community service and “good deeds” completely changed. And that is why I whole heartedly believe that gratitude is a positive thing.

-Elizabeth Brady

Monsieur Luigi Forvil said...

The attitude of "gratitude" holds the good elements of peace and tranquility to which one can use in his/her everyday life.

Gratitude, of course, emphasizes on happiness, respect, appreciation, and goodness. However, it is not a simple virtue to construe.

Many have mistaken gratitude as a will of benefits. For example, person one has an emergency, and out of "kindness" person two helps person one. Now, fast-forward into the future, person two has an emergency and calls person one. Person one returns the favor, but with no intentions of appreciation - only because person two had helped person one before.

In this case person one has bad intentions towards person two (not gratitude). Person one should be willing to help person two with pride and willingness, to show how much he appreciates helping. Thus, gratitude is not a means to return a favor.

Once one can understand gratitude, that person will definitely see that gratitude creates an atmosphere of happiness, kindness, and appreciation. I know this because I've practice my acts of gratitude and it has helped me reach to high altitudes in my life span.

Andrew Davis said...

Gratitude is a complex emotion, and it has many levels. In today’s world, with the blackening horizon of financial crises, global warming, and warring countries, any positive emotion is a silver lining in the grey clouds. Gratitude is, after all, a win-win type of emotion. The person who receives a gift or service is directly benefitting from that gift or service, but if this same person shows gratitude for what the benefactor has done or given, then the benefactor receives a great deal of emotional rebate. Without a return of positive emotion (gratitude), people would be far less likely to perform all those little acts of kindness that make our world a better place, let alone any huge acts of graciousness. In theory, kindness should be a reward in and of itself, without any return, but no person is that superhuman. We want to be thanked for the time and effort that we put into work for other people, and the best reciprocation of our efforts is through gratitude. And the more we show gratitude, the more those benefactors will want to perform good deeds, because the feeling of a grateful person is healthily addictive. Many individuals try and lead their lives in a manner close to egoism, though probably not as strict as Ayn Rand may have done herself. These individuals may see little need to do work for others, since they would not be getting a great deal out of it. There is a bit of egoism lodged in the teeth of human nature even, since generally everything we do benefits us in some way. However, I do believe that if people were very grateful, their signs of thanks would be enough for even a true egoist to call his/her efforts well worth it.

Karen Domond said...

“Gratitude is the virtue that makes us aware of the gifts we receive each day and appreciative of the generosity of the giver. It moves our will to respond to these gifts by developing them, using them well, and putting them at the service of others.” Gratitude means a lot in different ways. Counting blessing, thankfulness, and acknowledging everything that you receive. The virtue of gratitude comes from the heart. Giving to someone is not a job or a duty, its letting the person know that you have an open heart and that you do not expect anything in return. Gratitude should not be just a reaction to getting what you want, but an all-the-time gratitude, the kind where you notice the little things and where you constantly look for the good even in unpleasant situations.

Anonymous said...

Gratitude for me is a easy subject. I completely agree that if people do things without the right intention it is completely pointless no matter how good the deed because at the root of it there is corruption. Gratitude needs to be sincere and from the heart. Not something we feel forced to do or do because of reason to embarrass or show off. Even though we are thought when young to always say thank you when receiving any gift no matter how much you don’t like it to be polite. Regardless of the matter people should be real and do things from the heart. I agree with the statement that it makes people less aggressive because it does allow us to put ourselves in other shoes and situations of discomfort, poverty, and etc. Gratitude is needed in the world to show some appreciation towards good acts or fair rules.
Xabier Martinez-Cid

Anonymous said...

People show gratitude in different ways. The important is that everyone should be thankful for something you have, either you know where it comes from or not. Being thankful is one thing, but you should also know that. you have to be a giver also. Giving back doesn't mean you give back to the same person that gave you something but also to others. Although it feels good to receive but you also have to learn to give. In fact, it is another way to show how thankful you are for something, by giving, so in other for you to be thankful you have to be happy but if you are being thankful for something I think you can make other people around you happy to by showing the act of being thankful. For example on thanksgiving day, not only you are happy yourself but other people around you are because you all come together eat, partying etc...

Lukagea S.

Noel Alerte said...

We all need to possess the spirit of gratitude. A spirit of gratitude is a way to say thanks to someone who does something for you or gives you something. It is a way to show your appreciation. There is a Haitian proverb that says that when you say thanks to someone who does something for you, you automatically say that person to do it again. It is true. When you say thanks to someone who does something for you, you put that person in a position to do it again if it is possible. We all have something to be thankful. Saying thank you to someone is not only when that person does a big thing or gives you a big gift; you have to show your appreciation on any little things, and it will encourage that person to do more. I personally thank God for any little things. I thank him for health that I have. I even thank him for the opportunity that I have to be in class. I am also thankful to any little things that I am in a position to receive. I am not only pray God to fill me with a spirit of gratitude, I also pray him to fill me with a spirit of giving. I strongly believe in the spirit of giving. As a matter of fact, the Bible says that there is more happiness in giving than receiving. In addition, we all want someone to say thank you when we do something for him or her. We all want that person to show at least a little appreciation. It is not that we want him or her to do the same for us, but at least saying thank you will make us as providers a little bit better.

Madeline H. said...

Before this post, I viewed gratitude as just an emotion you would show when you received something form another person. But, in actuality gratitude is very complex and expressed in different ways throughout the world. Gratitude is also expressed more complexly in religion, for example Christians believe they were created by a personal God, therefore they are strongly encouraged to praise and give gratitude to their creator.

People tend to mistaken it for something that is owed to them. Just like Luigi and Andrew stated. People should want to help others because it’s the right thing to do and knowing that you put a smile on someone’s face should be gratitude enough. But in our society people are egocentric and if they do not get something tangible in return they will not be grateful. Gratitude is an emotion which should come easily to all, but unfortunately in today’s society it has to be expressed in a win-win scenario.

Bibiana Ramos said...

Gratitude ..wow!! such a broad term and deep emotion a term defying our blessings, triumphs, happiness, but also sadness; good or bad things they all are going to take us someplace. We should be thankful for each and every thing we have even if it is big or small, bad or good. Unfortunately, sometimes we are not grateful enough and we should being every single day even for a minute. We should be grateful, for the roof over our head, the food on our table, health, family even if it is not a perfect one it is our family, our job even if we hate it..it is the your income source..
So many things we should be grateful for.. I am grateful for everything…even for the bad experiences because I have learned from them..and when I pray I say God..you are making going through this because of reason..I may not see right away ..I will see it in the future…It will make me stronger..for everything I am grateful… because everything happens for a reason and every little thing has its consequence and cause...and they have a purpose in my life..

Anonymous said...

To me gratitude is the quality of being thankful and showing appreciation. It is a mindful acknowledgment of all that we have been given. When we focus on the abundance in our lives, we discover a greater capacity for generosity, cheerfulness, and contentment. Expressing gratitude is a rewarding habit that affirms the grace of the giver. Gratitude opens our hearts, encourages us to savor each gift that comes our way, and magically frees us from jealously guarding our possessions. It lets us celebrate today rather than waiting for the next level of accomplishment or wealth. It is a reminder that one can always find reason to be glad.
-Tania Joseph

Jesus Tamayo said...

Gratitude almost seems like something of the past now at days. Everyone seems to be operating like robots with the one objective of rising on top of everyone else. Acts of goodness without the desire to obtain something in return seem to be nonexistent. Most of the times that people have done favors for me have been with an alternate motive in mind. But we are not to blame for the selfish monster we have become since it is our society that has shaped us into what we are today. Ideas of being the best at what we do and achieving the number 1 status are implemented within our minds since the day we are born. It is no surprise that people will pretend to be this ever good grateful individual in order to obtain what they desired the most. There are many that go as far as to believe that doing someone a favor makes that person entitled to serve them or return the favor.

Michael Harrington-Pena said...

Gratitude is the feeling of being genuinely thankful or appreciative. This emotion serves as positive reinforcement for good deeds and kind acts. It is essential to society because gratitude can lead to a cycle of kindness among citizens. I would like to emphasize the importance of gratitude as a promoter of general sociability and a benefit to each and every individual. Gratitude has its beneficial physical and psychological results such as better health and increased happiness. It not only binds humans together, but also creates satisfied human beings. An “attitude of gratitude” allows empathy to develop, which allows for a more cohesive society. Gratitude is a leap towards inner peace and joy, which is what we are all ultimately pursuing. Ingratiate souls tend to be more aggressive and less content. Without a sense of appreciation, we would all be scrooges, and society could not function well. The simple equal-opportunity emotion has countless positive outcomes, the main one being a step towards a righteous and healthy lifestyle.

Maria Castellanos said...

One of the most important things in life, I believe, is being a grateful person. If you are grateful, you will see the world around you differently. You will see that there are always good things behind everything that happens. You will realize that your life is wonderful and you will be joyful.

You will be a grateful person if you focus on what you have rather than what you don't have. By giving, your mind will focus on what you have. Most people focus on what they don't have which makes it difficult for them to be grateful.

And as a grateful person I am able to say that it feels good when you are thankful with life for what you have, or even when you thank people for what they do for you.

Remember that gratitude is a virtue that we all have, is just that sometimes we don't know how to be grateful.

Anonymous said...

Gratitude is an extremely important emotion in society. It is the emotion of thankfulness for gifts and privileges that one has received. However, it can be fairly easy to misinterpret or fabricate gratitude, which makes it such a complex emotion. Gratitude is a “two-way street” – the person that receives the gift or help is given the happiness which is associated with the present; but, the person that gives the gift also is happy because he realizes the good deed which he has just accomplished. In other words, gratitude produces “all-around” joy, which is only found in selfless, altruistic acts. Today with religious warfare, financial deficits, and environmental issues at an all-time high, gratitude seems to be a dying art form. On the other hand, complaints and blame are abundant among the problems of the modern world. Individuals have become self-centered, almost egotistical, which accounts for the lack of gratitude in today’s culture, and is evident in the “Occupy” movements that have taken place across the country. To make the world a better place, gratitude must be instilled in all individuals, ensuring a sense of community amongst the world’s variety of cultures, uniting the human race.
- Christopher Craven

Anonymous said...

Looking into my heart and after analyzing my self and the errors I have committed in the past, one being that I have fail to appreciate the woman next to me, I have come to the conclusion that gratitude plays an important role in any kind of relationship, whether is a sentimental or any social relationship. gratitude not only shows appreciation but it also lets the person at the other end know that they can count on you. To give is a symbol of commitment; to give without expecting something in return creates a bond, a connection glued by a simple, genuine gesture that may define who we are and what we really are. Gratitude is so valued because not because of the action but for the effect that comes after; a honest, trustful relationship between two individuals. I know understand an important piece of social relationships and I'm grateful to Ana C. Reconco for teaching me something so important.

JULIO C. RECONCO

Cristhiam Espinales said...

I believe gratitude is a virtue a quality that make people better person. when you show gratitude to someone you are showing how much you appreciate what thatvpwrson did for you. I believe if you do sonething for somebody you should not expect to recieve something back because if you do, you are not doing it from the hearth. Most of the rich people that make donations do it because they are trying to avoid taxes and for people that does'nt know this this people look like good person but in reality they are not because they doing this for their own benefits. Im the type of person that thank GOD everyday and I think all of us should do it because life is the best gift we can recieve. I believe everyone should show gratitude and if you do something from somebody dont expect to recieve something back. Lets show some gratitude this christmass.

Anonymous said...

Gratitude must come from the heart. One can not be grateful for something filled with remorse and/or out of a sense of guilt or lack of appreciation. At that point it should not be called being grateful. People should also never do something with the intentions of getting something in return. It removes the innocence and beauty of a favor. That is when a sense of indebted is created and brought into the picture. Most people say thank you out of consistency and repetition. We're stuck on auto play, constantly saying "thank you" and "you welcome" without fully realizing why we are thankful. I believe that once we fully open our eyes as to what we are grateful for, we will feel a sense of true gratitude and those around us will feel it too. Making our circle in society a happier place.

Krystal Gonzalez

Reniel Castaneira said...

I strongly agree that gratitude should not be confused with indebtedness. When we return a favor, we are not really being grateful to the other person. Instead, we should show a polite attitude toward others, and not just the giver. In order to do this, we need to be aware of our past experiences, especially difficult or stressful ones. For instance, don’t forget the person who helped you find the place when you couldn’t. There are people who do forget, and consciously ignore others who might be in need. It is important to remember that the many benefits of a grateful mind will make us happier individuals. Gratitude is also the basis of community involvement, and volunteering. We can contribute to society in several ways without having to pay the money received from a scholarship. The time we invest as volunteers is valued by many. Teaching is also a valuable way to show gratitude. When we teach something we’ve learned from others, we are creating the basis for immortality.

Carlos Vazquez said...

Words like love, friendship, respect, repentance, solidarity and faithfulness, preach the same thing: on the one hand, an admirable metaphysical order in the fabric of existence, but on the other essential positions and options with which man breaks through all this. And the combination of both, a deep meaning that is clearly evident in each, according to its proper sense. A word of this kind to which the man has to face at least one point in his life and try to take root, as far as possible to their sense is gratitude. To conclude gratitude is the virtue by which a person recognizes, inside and out the gifts received and tries to correspond the action. Essentially, gratitude is an interior disposition, a grateful heart, but when it is genuine, somehow it tries to express himself in words and deeds. Consequently, includes three elements: recognition that a gift was received, expressed appreciation of gratitude, and as soon as possible, return what has been given for free without any obligation on the part of the giver.

catalina quintero said...

gratitude is an important virtue that people must cultivate in their lives,Scientists are finding that an attitude of gratitude is a powerful contributor to a happy life.you can express this virtue in different ways, Some believe that it may be the single most effective way to increase happiness. practicing gratitude may be the fastest single pathway to happiness, health, long life, and prosperity. People who take the time to notice and appreciate the good things that come their way through grace, or luck, or the goodness of others are happier and more peaceful. They do better on cognitive tests and tests of problem solving skills. They practice healthier habits, have better relationships, are more optimistic and live longer. Gratitude is one powerful emotion.
the god things about Grateful people is that they tend to be satisfied with what they have and so are less susceptible to such emotions as disappointment, regret and frustration.

Keyree Castano said...

As stated in the reading “Gratitude is human phenomenon that binds people together in society” But why? Because the simple act of thinking ,feeling changes the state of your mind, it can change your perspective toward people or anything or any of your actions, is like when you volunteer when you get such a good satisfaction of giving ,and sharing with somebody what that other person don’t have. Gratitude is such a complex emotion that sometimes we fail using it, because we do not really understand the meaning of it , is not getting back ‘ paid’ what you gave to the other is just doing it because you feel it, because your making the difference is somebody else’s life and more important in your own life . For some it may have not reason ,helping or giving thanks for you have, but if you think about and you try to reflect about your action you, actually would understand, giving thanks , or giving help, to somebody will bring you the satisfaction that could not get having all the money , or all the other stuff that would never penetrate is your deepest necessities, it also reminds us how we complain about insignificant problems when there are so many people that are dying and they enjoying life to maximum. Why do we have to the last minute to be grateful, and thankful with everything we have?

joevanih sauvagere said...

when i was a little child, i didn't have a father that raise me. "Many say that a woman can raise a boy but a woman can't raise a boy to become a man. My mother done well to make me a man such as i become. The man you see now, didn't know what to do in life, when i was in middle school and my early high school years. I didn't listen to nobody and do what i want to do. I know what make me happy when i see the only women that i care smile. My mother, i'm thankful that my mother is my dad and my mom. My mother done a lot to keep us sleepping in a house, clothes on our backs, and put food on the table. When i was in high school i was starting to think, you have to fight make it in life. I'm the only son that my mom had, i want to do so much to make her smile every day. So i grown up but still need to learn more. I know i don't like to do what people do. I'm a person that do things that would become good in the long term. But i listening more and love to learn more. My acknowledment is to be my self, always think positive and don't let people put your dreams down. Every year I become smarter, wiser, and nicer, my attitude change for the good through out high school and now. That's make me a man that you see now, going to fight to make it in life. The only way i can do this is to work hard, always think positive, and love your family.

makingconflict said...

I believe one of the things that are honestly missing in the american dream is gratitude. While there should be a need to satisfy ones self, we also need to remember that it can only be possible if we satisfy the importance of getting to be together as a community. America is a place where we should bond and become a stronger system. With gratitude one has to be selfless. Someone has to be willing to give up until they receive a beneficial feeling that allows them to pinpoint that they've made the right decision. This is unlikely that in the narcissistic society that we will even get close to the ideal utopia, but if everyone does their part, there is no saying how far we could go.

Angelica Louis-Jeune

susanmg said...

Gratitude is something that is in too little abundance in our present day society. I myself am guilty of not appreciating the people or things that I should be thankful for, and cyclically that makes me feel guilty/"bad" for not being more grateful. So, in this case, I feel that gratitude is a virtue that is driven by a sort of self-interest; when you are thankful, you're acknowledging that something or someone has impacted your life in a positive manner. This kind of appreciation typically leads to more positive actions being directed towards you. This may not always be the case though; the other day I was grateful that someone let me in front of them while I was driving in heavy traffic. That doesn't mean another driver will do the same for me; however, since I thanked the courteous person, it may encourage them to continue to act in such a manner. I suppose you could connect that to developing a good character; being a habitually thankful person should be a factor in building a good character.
-Susan M. Guerra

Angie Paez said...

Gratitude is a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation. Gratitude sounds very easy but being grateful with what you have its one the hardest thing for a human being to accomplish. We are used to doing things in other to get something in return or to get some sort of benefit. This feeling should not be forced because it would not be from the heart or sincere. Nowadays, we are not thankful for all the things we have; the only thing we care about its having all our needs. We never think about the people that don’t have the resources that we have, that also comes with being grateful and happy with what you have. We all need to help each other because gratitude is needed in the world to show some appreciation towards good acts or fair rules. Angie Paez

Anonymous said...

Gratitude is the state of being grateful; thankfulness. I really love this time of year. Everyone is a little nicer. People start appreciating one another and what they have, but do we have to wait until Thanksgiving and Christmas to feel this way? I believe that people don’t have to wait until holidays to feel grateful. They should feel grateful every day. I’ve always been the type of person who is grateful and it has served me well. I live everyday appreciating the things that I have and the people that I am surrounded by. I know that our time on this planet is short lived and I intend to enjoy every breath of it with the people I love and care about. I give thanks in advance for the dreams I dream about and the endless possibilities in each day. I am thankful for opportunities to help others, I am grateful to give what I can to help in any way I can. I read this quote from somewhere “Life is gratitude, expressing itself. Gratitude must be allowed to permeate all aspects of one’s life. This allows one to experience the fullness of life. This is the true purpose and duty within life.”

-Ramondina Jean Joseph

Anonymous said...

As a Christian, gratitude is a huge part of my life. I wake up every morning and thank God for letting me see a new day, so "thank you" is a phrase I understand and use often. I think this kind of gratitude is the greatest of them all, because in the Christian mindset, we are all sinners and deserve nothing, but God shows us grace every day in everything he blesses us with, so we are forever grateful.
Gratitude however is a virtue that is often forgotten between people. Now a days, everyone feels as though they are owed something, like everything they receive is deserved. This attitude is very detrimental to ones character. Soon, they are known for not being grateful for anything, and no one will want to to help them out or provide any needs for them.
Gratitude is something every human should share, we all owe someone a "thank you" at some point in our lives.

--Mary Beth Wagoner

Michael Lawrence said...

Gratitude is an experience that makes you closer to others. It humbles you and let's you realize that some outside force has had an impact on your life in such a way that you should be thankful. It can be felt with something as drastic as having someone save someone from a burning building or simply letting someone cut in front of you when they have been trying to switch lanes with their blinkers on for the past 13 cars. Gratitude is a basic virtue that some people miss out on. To give thanks is to show gratitude from the heart not just as a duty as the post says. Giving thanks acknowledges the fact that we are not alone in this cold world and that some people in it have the disposition of lending a helping hand to those in need. To have and receive without showing gratitude back or passing it on makes for a terrible situation in which care and concern for others will slowly die out leaving only disconnect beings.