NEW DELHI: Among the most oft-repeated words in our daily lives is ‘thank you’. However, mechanical repetition of these words has robbed them of their essence: the heartfelt gratitude that the words seek to express.

True thanksgiving goes deeper than mere words; it arises out of appreciation and gratitude sometimes even for the gift of life out of a sense of wonder and humility, acknowledgement and submission.

Most of us can narrate a number of incidents when these words are uttered distantly and impassively. But, very few would be able to recount even a single incident in the recent past when a warm and heartfelt gratitude was either given or received.

These golden words seem to have lost their true purpose and meaning in the hurly-burly of our busy schedules, leaving us with little time to think deeply or even from the heart.

Gratitude is more than just another emotion or expression of humility. It is an attitude, a way of life, even; a gateway to a happy, positive and reassured life.

Incredible as it might seem, this simple emotion has the potential to release positive forces like love, hope, compassion, humility, joy, reassurance and faith in an individual’s life. In the material world, gratitude is like a smile.

If sincere, it transmits immense joy to both the giver and receiver. A heartfelt ‘thank you’ can introduce joy and happiness even in those domains where there is a very practical exchange of money and services.

An attitude to gratitude towards life itself helps us look beyond the material world and view life as the gift it truly is. It helps us focus on those little blessings of life which are otherwise either shrugged off or taken for granted.

A loving spouse, affectionate children, supportive friends, fulfilling career the blessings are different for different people.

But most of the time, we fail to realise the importance of these simple blessings while we still have them, and end up valuing them only when we lose them or when it is too late. What we’re left with is a lingering regret of never having cared enough.

Allowing ourselves to feel gratitude helps us experience the present and cherish the beauty of life. The permanence of life and its gifts is a universal truth. Gratitude is probably one of the most effective cures for that widespread affliction called negative attitude.

No matter how bad a situation is, a person always has something or other to be thankful for.

The words ‘thank you’ have the potential to change the course of your life. Listing out all the things you feel grateful for is a therapeutic exercise that is sure to chase away the most persistent blues. Say ‘thank you’ for being alive and see the magical change these words bring in your perspective towards life.

—By arrangement with the Times of India