Gratitude

There has been a great deal of research into the positive effects of gratitude - not just for those who practice it and express it, but for those on the receiving end of a simple 'thank you'.  I always make sure I say thank you, whether at home or at work.

Motherhood has been described from time to time as a thankless task, and this weekend just gone, I had one of 'those moments', (actually it wasn't a moment; it lasted almost 48 hours) when I was so overwhelmed by the lack of consideration, respect and just downright lack of acknowledgement, let alone gratitude,  from my husband and children, that I fell into a very bad place, depressed, angry and resentful.

That  changed a bit today - not because of anything my husband or children did; I don't expect that to change in an instant.  No, my Dear Old Dad, 90,  who lives nearby and whom I have been cooking and providing other support since  my mum died over two years ago, wrote me a short, but heartfelt letter, expressing his love and gratitude for 'all you have done for me over the last two and a half years'.  He says thank you to me every day - he clearly felt the need to write it down today and it meant so much to me today of all days.  He was unaware of what I had been feeling at home.

Of course, it made me cry, but happy and grateful tears rather than the useless tears of rage and resentment  that have been falling for the last 2 days.

Say thank you to someone in your life.  It will make a huge difference to them.