Most of us realize that gratitude is one of the best ways to enhance our ability to receive. We would do well to remember that the opposite of being grateful for something is to take it for granted, and being the opposite of gratitude, taking things for granted has a comparably negative effect on receiving.
Sure, I appreciate my loved ones, home, employment, and other things close to me that I treasure, as I imagine you do. However, it was the passing of Helen Blanchard on May 11 that got me thinking about what people and things I take for granted. Who is Helen Blanchard? She was the first female Toastmaster, who had to join under the pseudonym of “Homer” Blanchard in the early 1970s because women were not allowed membership. Thanks to Helen and her male club president who pushed the envelope, I now enjoy the benefit of Toastmaster membership.
How about women such as Margaret Sanger and Katharine McCormick who fifty years ago fought for women’s right to have access to the pill? Although it was available, many doctors tried to keep it from their patients. And ladies, as you cast your ballot in the last election, did you stop to give silent thanks for the countless women (and men) around the world who labored for over 40 years for women’s right to vote? Finally, next week we celebrate Memorial Day and hopefully pause to appreciate the men and women who have served for our freedom. As I think about it, there are so many things I value every single day that I fail to actively give thanks for.
In addition to all these public figures, there are the people in my life and yours who extended themselves and improved our lives in the process: the teacher who took the time to explain, the boss who gave you a chance, the stranger who returned your lost wallet, the aunt who really listened to you, and classmate who stood up for you.
Is it possible to take nothing for granted? Probably not, but we can do better. Next time you take a medication, silently recognize not only the researchers but those who participated in the studies to test its efficacy. Let’s remember the sacrifice of our farmers, our elected officials who serve, and the over 64 million people who volunteered in one capacity or another in our country last year. Maybe one of them was you. If so, I thank you!