Two Ways to Be Rich - Can You Guess What They Are?

There is an old saying that there are two ways to be rich: either by acquiring everything we want, or by appreciating what we already have. Of course, the second option is the truth, but it is much harder to implement.

No matter how much we have, we are always looking for more: bigger houses, newer cars, more clothes, more food, more certificates, more illusions, more and more and more. Every day, we are drawn to what we lack, what we have not yet achieved, and what seems out of reach.

What if instead of chasing more, we learned to stop and give thanks for what we already have? How can gratitude, even for the smallest things, make our daily lives richer and more meaningful, and how can we make it an integral part of our everyday life?

Have You Said Thank You Today?

Gratitude is not just a nice gesture, but it affects our brains and gives them rest from stress, worries, and anxieties. Studies show that when we train ourselves to be grateful, our brain responds by releasing positive hormones like dopamine and serotonin, which contribute to feelings of happiness and calm. Gratitude helps us see the bigger picture and enhances our ability to handle challenging situations.

Gratitude helps us focus our attention on everything that is good and meaningful to us, rather than getting stuck on what is missing. It serves as a lighthouse in the stormy sea of daily life, reminding us that we have enough, and that abundance is already present in our lives, even if not always in material form. In this sense, gratitude allows us to live in a state of inner peace that does not rely solely on external circumstances.

Gratitude in Challenging Times

Gratitude is not only relevant when everything is going smoothly, but is an essential tool for strengthening our inner resilience specifically during challenging times. In difficult moments, we often feel inclined to focus on what is lacking or what is not going according to plan, and it becomes crucial to find small points of light.

If you are going through a busy period at work, you can be grateful for the new learning it brings, the connections the job facilitates, or for the economic security it provides. If you are dealing with a personal challenge, you can appreciate the internal strengths that you gain or those who support you throughout.

Gratitude during challenging times does not necessarily change the difficulties themselves, but it changes the way we relate to them. By taking this approach, we stop seeing challenges as enemies, and view them in a new light, or as an opportunity to learn something new.

Gratitude as a Way of Life

Once we adopt the practice of gratitude, life seems less threatening and the daily experience becomes more positive and satisfying. A sense of abundance increases and leads us to realize that goodness already surrounds us. Gratitude is essentially the choice to live a positive lifestyle focused on what we have and provides immunity against negative feelings such as envy, disappointment, or insecurity.

The Connection Between Gratitude and Health

Many studies show a connection between gratitude and both mental and physical health. Gratitude improves sleep quality, contributes to stress reduction, and helps maintain a stronger immune system. Research indicates that people who experience daily gratitude suffer less from depression and anxiety, and have a higher tendency towards happiness and enjoyment of life.

Focusing on What Is Present Instead of What Is Missing

Modern life presents us with countless stimuli and reminders of what we still lack, but gratitude helps bring us back to the center so that we can focus on the abundance already present in our lives. When we express gratitude, we choose to see reality as it is, with all that it contains, and stop chasing after what is not yet ours.

How to Make Gratitude an Integral Part of Your Life

• Write down three good things that happened each day- even if they are very small, such as pleasant weather or an afternoon with the kids. Daily writing in a gratitude journal strengthens the ability to notice the good things and to remember them even on challenging days.
• Take short breaks during the day to focus on the small pleasures. Stop and enjoy your morning coffee, feel the pleasant warmth of the sun or just listen to the silence. These actions teach us to notice the small things that make the day more enjoyable.
• Expressing appreciation is a wonderful way to feel connected and to receive love and support in return. It's no coincidence that in Judaism, every morning begins with an expression of thanks.
• If you encounter a difficulty, try to think of the good things that come from it. Maybe you discovered strengths you didn’t recognize before or perhaps you learned new life skills. Noticing "why it is good" even in difficult situations, turns every challenge into an opportunity for learning and growth.
• Nature is a wonderful place to practice gratitude. A short walk in nature – in a nearby park or even a small garden – will help you notice the wonders of creation, fill you with quiet and peace, and allow you to appreciate the beauty around you.
• Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your uniqueness and the blessings in your life, while remembering that everyone has their own unique journey.