Sep 8 , 2024
By Eden Sahle

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Finding Joy in the Everyday

I find my outlook on holidays shifting. What was once primarily a time for gifts and gatherings has grown into a deeper reflection on the blessings in my life. My father used to express heartfelt thanksgiving during holidays and birthdays, always appreciating family and togetherness. At the time, I did not fully understand his gratitude, often too caught up in the celebrations themselves. However, it was not until his sudden passing that I began to grasp the true significance of those moments.

He was my greatest support. I found joy in being with him and my fiancé, now my husband. I had a fulfilling career, earning well, travelling, and providing for my family. I believed I was living life to the fullest, constantly focused on my goals and plans, especially our upcoming wedding, which we had been eagerly planning for two years.

At that time, I felt grateful because everything seemed to be going well, though I often took my health, family, and achievements for granted. I assumed that life would continue in this same rhythm, filled with success and fulfilment. However, my father’s sudden passing just four months before my wedding was a stark reminder of life’s fragility. Although the wedding went ahead, my focus shifted. I began to understand the importance of appreciating the present and those around me, not just during special occasions, but every single day.

Looking back, I see that my father’s gratitude was not just for family gatherings or holidays—it was for life itself. His wisdom was something I had overlooked, too caught up in the rush of daily life. Now, I realise that celebrating holidays, and even birthdays is more than just marking the passage of time. It is about being thankful for the people and blessings in our lives.

I focused not on what was lost but on what remained. My husband became a source of strength, and through him, I rediscovered the meaning of gratitude. I understood that life is not about counting down to the next big event, but appreciating the little moments in between—the quiet dinners, shared laughter, and support we give each other in times of need.

Holidays are reminders to pause and give thanks for the everyday joys that we might otherwise overlook. Practising gratitude is linked to higher levels of happiness, and through my own experiences, I have found this to be true. Even in challenging times, gratitude allows us to appreciate positive experiences, navigate adversity with resilience, and maintain perspective when things don’t go as planned.

Cultivating gratitude boosts confidence. Research suggests that by focusing on what we have, rather than what we lack, we are better equipped to handle life’s ups and downs. It also teaches us the wisdom that not everything in life will go our way—and that is okay.

I have seen this mindset at work in others as well. As I approach the new year, I am more aware than ever of the importance of gratitude—not just during holidays, but as a daily practice. The past two years have shown me that every moment with loved ones is precious, and every day we are healthy and together is a blessing.

Psychologists explain that our brains do not distinguish between real events and thoughts, meaning that simply practicing gratitude can have a profound impact on our well-being. It can shift our focus from sadness to joy, even in difficult circumstances. This is a lesson I have come to embrace wholeheartedly, and one that I hope will carry me through the years to come.

I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect—not just on what we hope to achieve in the year ahead, but on the many blessings we already have. Life can be unpredictable, but with gratitude at the center, we can find peace and joy in the present, no matter what the future holds.

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PUBLISHED ON Sep 08,2024 [ VOL 25 , NO 1271]

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