Watching a video of a father returning home from military service to surprise his family is always a touching moment. The sheer joy and excitement of a child or spouse seeing their loved one return safely is contagious. The deep sense of gratitude in these moments is palpable, often leaving the viewer reflecting on their own cherished memories. Yet, all too often, the demands of daily life quickly take over, and the profound appreciation of simply being home fades into the background.
Gratitude, we are told, is essential to well-being. Positive psychology researcher Martin Seligman strongly advocates for gratitude journaling, incorporating it into the Master Resiliency Training course he helped develop for the Army. He and his colleagues emphasize that people who regularly acknowledge and express gratitude experience improved health, better sleep, stronger relationships, and enhanced performance. The gratitude writing process consists of four key steps:
- Taking time to notice and appreciate the things that bring you joy.
- Writing down at least three things each day for which you are grateful.
- Reviewing and savouring these moments.
- Reflecting on why these experiences happened.
Noticing the good in life shapes how we think, which in turn influences how we perceive ourselves, the world, and those around us. Our brains are wired for happiness—all we need to do is turn the key. Practicing gratitude is a simple, yet powerful, way to unlock this joy.
However, in an environment of comfort, cultivating a spirit of gratitude can be challenging. A sedentary heart—both physically and emotionally—is not in its best condition. Comfort often leads to forgetfulness, which breeds complacency, then arrogance, and ultimately, entitlement. And in today’s world, entitlement is everywhere. Just look at how some people drive, convinced that traffic rules should bend to their convenience, or how others believe waiting in line applies to everyone but them.
Everyday interactions—whether on the road or at the checkout line—are governed by unspoken social norms. These behaviours reflect our culture, just as water defines the environment of a fish. We don’t simply step out of culture; we exist within it, and it shapes us. Culture is a complex blend of values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours, all of which are revealed in the way we engage with one another.
As a community, we pray that our school nurtures a culture of gratitude, leading to growth in our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Our hope is that each day, we deepen our love and care for one another. Growth begins at the edge of our comfort zone, and true joy comes from within. It is something we must cultivate daily, and gratitude is a powerful way to do so.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” – Colossians 3:23-24
Dr Darnelle Pretorius
Principal
