Knowing What Stirs Up Our Gratitude

The other evening, I listened to a guest speaker at our Toastmasters club meeting. Her speech topic was depression. One of her phrases left an impression on me: a daily awe moment.

She explained how having a daily awe moment can lift someone’s disposition. But, daily awe moments are not a cure-all for depression. They will make us a little more cheerful, and I’d add, grateful.

Awe is an emotion felt when we experience wonder. Music, a spiritual moment, and beauty are a few awe-inspiring catalysts. Awe moments are those moments when our soul, instead of our intellect, interprets the moment. 

I had one of those moments recently when I caught up with one of my long-time friends. We met more than thirty years ago. Back then, we went for weekly walks and out to dinner as couples. Now, our lives are much busier, and we get together less often.  

My awe moment came during our recent time together. We met for breakfast. She arrived at the restaurant before me. I couldn’t help but embrace her when I saw her. 

Sitting across from each other, sipping our hot drinks, eating our food, and conversing was all that mattered. 

We dove into the complexities of relationships with our siblings, offspring, spouses, and grandchildren. We laughed about the cultural changes we’ve experienced and reminisced about our parents. 

What we talked about was important to us. But how we talked to one another was awe-inspiring. Our souls met, and our hearts were open. 

The next morning, while thinking about my friend and our time together, I felt gratitude. For me, awe happens in the moment, and gratitude follows when I reflect on it.

 Friendships are valuable and this one reminded me of how much. Friendship is something we give to each other and make us feel connected to something beyond ourselves. 

Why Bother?

Why bother knowing what stirs up our gratitude? And as our speaker said, a daily awe moment won’t cure everything, but awe moments stir up gratitude.