Hello, Mi Neighbour! | Cultivate a habit of daily thanksgiving

Pause for seven minutes and find seven things to give thanks for. Make a note of them. Will come back to that in a while.

The numeral seven has significant spiritual and symbolic meanings in various cultures. It is considered a sacred number representing completeness, perfection, spiritual fulfilment, and growth. Of note, it appears frequently in the Bible. But that’s not where I am going today.

This number is also associated with good fortune and prosperity. It is often linked to cycles and patterns in nature, such as the seven days of the week, seven colours of the rainbow, etc. Seven can also represent introspection and inner wisdom. Does it matter that it is often associated with mystery, mysticism, and the unknown? Again, that’s not where I am going today.

I am not even talking about the seven deadly sins, namely:

LUST: a strong passion or longing, especially for sexual desires

GLUTTONY: an excessive and ongoing eating of food or drink

GREED: an excessive pursuit of material goods

SLOTH: excessive laziness or the failure to utilise one’s talents

WRATH: strong anger and hatred towards another person

ENVY: an intense desire to own a neighbour’s goods

PRIDE: an excessive view of self, without regard for others

Would have been nice to speak about the seven virtues, namely:

· KINDNESS: the desire to help others above a desire to use/abuse them

· TEMPERANCE: moderation or self-restraint for the greater good

· CHARITY: the desire to share one’s possessions with the needy

· CHASTITY: refraining from immoral sexual activities, etc.

· HUMILITY: a virtue of priceless value which attracts God’s favour

· DELIGENCE: application of heart, strength and might to achieving a goal

· PATIENCE: taking time to understand the needs and desires of others.

But, I’m still not going there!

Here’s is where I am going: Frequent expressions of thanksgiving are important for the overall well-being of all. While the annual traditional Thanksgiving has a place, no one can deny that there is a special place for daily thanksgiving at home, school, street, church, work, etc. Cultivating a habit of gratitude has far-reaching benefits, impacting physical, mental, and social health.

Thanksgiving is strongly linked to increased happiness and positive emotions. It helps people savour positive experiences and cope with adversities. Research shows that gratitude can improve sleep, reduce stress, and strengthen the immune system. Expressing thanks to others fosters positive connections and fortifies bonds with family, friends, and neighbours.

Many of us can attest to the fact that thanksgiving shifts one’s perspective, helping the individual to reframe challenges and cultivate a more optimistic outlook on some of life’s extenuating circumstances. Hello to Sister G who is relating to this as we speak.

As we acknowledge the Master’s generosities on a daily basis: awaking us in the mornings, clothing us in our right mind, giving us our daily breath and bread, etc, our spirit grows stronger, making us better able to cope with life. How about giving Him daily thanks rather than cussing (us), His creatures, daily? “Put that in your pipe …”

Saying “thank you” to your spouse is crucial for a healthy and happy relationship. It strengthens the bond, fosters appreciation, and promotes a positive atmosphere. Expressing gratitude, even for small gestures, can significantly improve your partner’s self-esteem and strengthen their hand in the relationship building. And, by the way, even after 20, 30, 40,… years of marriage, couples must continue to build their relationship. It’s always a work in progress. Don’t get lazy and fall asleep on it now!

Here’s why it’s important:

Thanking your spouse shows that you value their effort!

Telling your spouse “I appreciate and value what you do” boosts their self-esteem and makes them feel special.

An appreciated spouse is likely to repeat kind deeds, thus reducing stress and conflict in the relationship.

According to Psychology Today, “Gratitude helps reinforce the idea that you are in this together and that you value your partner as an individual, not just as someone who performs tasks for you”.

Now, pause for seven minutes, give thanks for seven things! You’ll make it a daily routine – truss mi! Give thanks!

KINDLY HELP A NEIGHBOUR WITH ONE OF THE FOLLOWING

1. Stove

2. Refrigerator

3. Bed

4. Food

5. Medication

6. Financial assistance to start a little business

To help, please call Silton Townsend @ 876 649-9636 or deposit to acct #351 044 276 NCB. Alternatively, send donations to Hello Neighbour C/o 53 Half-Way Tree Road, Kingston 10; Paypal/credit card: email: zicron22@yahoo.com. Contact email: helloneighbour@yahoo.com. Visit hellomineighbourja.blogspot.com. Townsend exclusively manages the collections and distributions mentioned in this column and is neither an employee nor agent of The Gleaner.