Lately an expression seems to be going around that is quickly getting overused and overworked. In California there is an overabundance of platitudes called upon far too frequently. Aside from hearing this newest addition ad nauseum, I am seriously wondering what it really means.
More and more there are those who wish to portray themselves as superior, virtuous beings by constantly expressing they are living in a state of gratitude.
My question is first and foremost, where is the state of gratitude? Is it in the USA? I don’t think so. We only have fifty states last time I heard. Although I read somewhere they are adding a fifty first, the State of Confusion. It would be the most populated state in America.
Is the state of gratitude in Europe? Highly doubtful. Maybe an island in the Caribbean or the Cayman’s where lots of Americans could join their money.
How would we find it? Is it on a map? Perhaps it’s hanging around under the water near Atlantis. The lost city of gratitude and only a fortunate few are lucky enough to have seen it.
Is it expensive to live there? How is the food? Should you rent or own?
What are the laws in the state of gratitude? Is there inflation and how are the interest rates there? What type of cuisine do they feature?
So after hearing people talk about this new locale now more visited than the Grand Canyon, I had to wonder: Do you live there all the time or can you leave and come back again? Do you need a passport?
It seems to me that no one could live there all day, every day and although most make it sound as though they do, I can’t imagine that is the case.
I mean you are driving along living in the state of gratitude and suddenly someone plows into your brand-new Mercedes.
Hmmm. Do you now leave the state of gratitude for a few moments to bitch and yell at the idiot who cut you off and smashed your new car?
Is your first response. Oh thank you. I’m so grateful you crashed into my new car and gave me a serious whiplash. Why am I doubting that is the case?
Pretty silly to walk around saying I live in a state of gratitude isn’t it? Simply because that would be impossible.
Those who are constantly preaching about their occupancy in that state, make it seem it’s like a total 100% existence.
We all have heard our whole lives that those who are thankful for both the little and big things in life are happiest, so all strive for that meaning.
We are grateful for the people we love and thankful they are well. We are happy when we get up in the morning, open our eyes and see another day.
Let’s be realistic here; life for most of us is a roller coaster of ups and downs. The human condition dictates we must face those challenges we are afflicted by daily.
Death, illness, a bad turn of events we didn’t expect, having to listen to the stupidity out of the mouths of politicians and all other means of unpleasantness to which flesh is heir.
So does living in a state of gratitude mean that when something horrible happens we are not allowed to be bummed? That we are not allowed to feel badly for someone who is suffering a loss or streak of misfortune?
I think it’s wonderful when one can say, even in the darkest of times they are grateful for all the good they have. Despite the negativity thrust upon them.
That is called optimism, thankfulness, gratitude or however you wish to identify the feeling, and it’s a good way to live.
Yet when one literally brags constantly about how grateful they are, it rings hallow. It feels as though someone is lecturing or bragging. Does it mean that when misfortune appears we are less of a person if at that moment of pain we don’t feel any gratitude at losing a loved one? Or for hearing the misfortunate of a friend or witnessing the horrors we see every day now in the world?
It almost makes one feel as though these people who constantly preach about their own sense of gratitude are somehow lording it over the rest of us.
That they know something we don’t and have discovered the answer to the riddle of the Sphinx.
I figured it all out and you’re all still in the dark.
Are they so enlightened they can stay in a state of gratitude even when the very nature of human existence is to feel sorrow, happiness, pain, remorse and empathy?
Shall we simply rise above every excruciating deed we witness and say I can’t feel this I’m in the state of gratitude. That’s my protection, so pass me a brownie, please. What type of gates can protect one from the emotions life delivers daily?
I must object to those who would tout their unfailing thankfulness when we merely see someone who is saying, I’m cool with everything and it’s great to be me. I have what I need to be happy, you need to get yours.
There will be times in every life when it’s almost impossible to be grateful. That isn’t the grand plan. Life throws us curveballs and even when we try to hit it out of the park, we sometimes fall short of the fence.
Although we as humans aspire to the highest ideals, it is a long-established fact on planet earth you won’t find perfection here.
It’s easy to be grateful for the great moments in life that come our way, but being grateful for the little things is a cultivated talent. Indeed, one for which we all should strive. But it’s hard to listen to those who speak about gratitude as a new dress or outfit they can don as easily as slipping it over their head.
We are grateful and should be. We just are not grateful for those who tell us when and how to feel thankful. I imagine that is between us and our maker, and holier-than-thous should just keep their platitudes to themselves.
P.S. I’m thankful for all my readers, so that’s one for me. Have a great day and be grateful for how easy it still is to find chocolate.
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