The light of gratitude

Brilliant fall foliage on the Woodstock Village Green last weekend. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

In a world full of challenges, it can be tough to remember the importance of gratitude. But it can be a meaningful force for good in our lives.

Overall, gratitude can throw some much-needed light into our day, providing a foundation for hope — a quality so important these days. In many ways, being grateful goes against the grain now. The noise out there in the world — whether through the news, social media, or shared opinion — can leave us feeling trapped by negative elements. However, gratitude is a good way to rise above them, build positive energy, and cultivate the hope that you can help make the world better.

I often try to remember that, even on the hardest days, there's something positive going on in the world — somewhere. Similarly, there's always something to be grateful for, whether it's family, friends, or a project in the community that’s benefiting others. Sometimes, we have to dig a little bit to notice these things, but it’s a worthy effort that always leaves us in a better place.

When we find and express gratitude, it not only helps ourselves, but others around us as well. That positive energy ripples out and touches them, like the far-reaching effect of one little stone being cast into a pond. Just imagine the positive impact this could have, with so many of us lifting up the goodness in life each day, together. It’s a force for good we can all help build, starting right now.

— Gareth Henderson