Gratitude has been with us since the beginning of time, yet few use this valuable tool. Gratitude is a gift to each of us and is essential to living a happy life. Gratitude sustains us and helps us with our everyday problems, as well as helping us to achieve our goals in life.
The local supermarket was running a special promotion on the day the family was going to the movies. The 'family' comprised Mum, Dad, 10-year-old Jeremy and his two friends: wealthy Peter and poor and neglected Ryan.
That week, for every specified amount that you spent at the supermarket you could get a coupon that you could use to get your second movie ticket for free. The family obtained two coupons.
After watching the movie the family returned to their vehicle and proceeded to drive Jeremy's two young friends to their homes. Jeremy reminded his buddies to say thank you for the weekend they had just spent at his parents' home. He, himself, had been reminded on so many occasions by his parents that it is important a good atmosphere prevails by showing gratitude.
But Peter, the son of an accountant, already a bean counter and definitely not a giver - including of 'thank you' - not even when prompted by his best friend, responded: 'Why should I say thank you?'
Even Jeremy was surprised. He said: 'For the weekend that you stayed at our house. For Friday night's spare ribs that you ordered for dinner, for Friday night's DVDs and the popcorn and Coke that went with it, for today's movie, for the ...'
Peter remained undaunted. 'You would have had to eat on Friday night anyway, and what is there to two extra ribs?' Friday night's DVD's were not bought, they were rented, thereby a saving was incurred! We made the popcorn ourselves - another saving. Thanks to me and Ryan you guys saved a substantial amount.'