Gratitude
Remember that list of attributes of high achieving 21st century kids? Perseverance, curiosity, self-control, optimism and conscientiousness. Essential yes, but incomplete. Gratitude may be the most important but overlooked virtue. The benefits of a grateful attitude are well known, including greater emotional well-being and a more positive mood. While our culture shows that egotism is the path to success, gratitude is the path to happiness.
Our gratitude may be the best antidote and only hope against our culture’s consumerism. Fortunately gratitude can be cultivated, modeled and taught. Here’s just one advice column and another saying how. We ought to take more time giving thanks for our blessings– precious children most of all.