Creating Peace From the Pieces

I am intrigued by the relation between words and their definitions.

In an attempt to clearly communicate my most current soapbox speel, I’m going to walk through a few definitions, and then meander about and hopefully collect a couple of concise connections.

Thank you: Webster defines “thank you” as “a polite expression of one’s gratitude”. Synonyms listed for ‘thank you’ are:
appreciation
appreciativeness
gratefulness
gratitude
thankfulness

Appreciation: – a feeling or expression of admiration, approval, or gratitude
– JUDGMENT, EVALUATION
especially : a favorable critical estimate
– sensitive awareness
especially : recognition of aesthetic values
– increase in value

So what then is gratitude?
Gratitude is not simply an act or feeling. It is, as defined in Webster’s dictionary, a STATE:

Gratitude: . – the state of being grateful
Grateful: – Conscious of benefit received; expressive of thanks; well pleased: GLAD”

So then if we combine all of these, gratitude could be described as a conscious, expressive state of glad thanks – a continuity of favorable evaluations and recognition. Each moment we take to allow our sensitivities to awaken and show our appreciation for another human, we contribute to a culture of positive thankfulness, and in so doing, greatly increase our collective value.
Gratitude is a mindset that we seem to be allowing to slip away, slowly replaced by a culture of arrogance and an assumption that WE should be appreciated.
“YOU’RE worth it.” “My REAL friends will show me attention” “YOU do YOU”.
While these mantras have their own place and worth, they are too powerful to be allowed to run freely on their own. Unchecked or not balanced out by humility, these ideas create a certain negative entitlement in the social atmosphere. The golden rule is replaced by an arrogant expectation that others MUST be kind to us, because we DESERVE it.

When we communicate our thanks for a gift or favor given by another, we do so much more than to simply acknowledge the kindness of another. Each time we send a thank you note or text, or call someone to extend our gratitude, we help to build something positive and beautiful into the very bones of our society. Every thank you is an affirmation of our ability to work together and grow stronger together. Taking a minuscule moment to reflect our gratitude to a benefactor is so very important. WE are worth it.