6 Quotes to Light Up Any Ordinary Day with Gratitude

Giving thanks may not always be easy or “natural” for every person or in every situation. Many people find it hard to smile about a favor done for them by someone they don’t like. Still, we know that it’s the right thing to do and that it’s good for us in the long term. 

We don’t tend to be aware of how fortunate we are. Having a bed, a roof, and food every day are only dreams for many people we share our planet with. But many of us live so absorbed in our comforts that we think that we deserve them, even if we haven’t lifted a finger to earn them.

In most cases it’s been our parents or grandparents who have gone through tough times. They’ve fought to have what we now take for granted. They are the picture of self-improvement and perseverance, and they deserve all our pride and respect. We dedicate our first gratitude quotes to their perseverance. In many cases, if it weren’t for their courage, we wouldn’t have grown up surrounded by love and financial stability.

6 gratitude quotes for ordinary days

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.”

This piece of wisdom is attributed to the Roman politician and writer Marcus Tullius Cicero. It seemed to him that all grateful people have great hearts and great virtues. Those who are not capable of being grateful are unlikely to have the ability to empathize with others.

“The pleasure of meeting a grateful man is so great… that it is worth risking not being ungrateful for.”

The great philosopher Seneca gifted us this profound quote. Although it may be selfish, we all feel happy when someone expresses their gratitude to us. That “thank you,” that hug feels like much-desired recognition. 

It’s wonderful to know that someone has acknowledged what we’ve done and appreciates it. It also reinforces our self-esteem because it gives us the feeling that we’ve given something of value. That’s why we need to help people who ask for our help and show them kindness and understanding. Few things feel as good.

“He who is not grateful for a small favor will not be grateful for a big one.”

Mahoma spoke these wise words a long time ago. The prophet warns us not to trust ungrateful people. People who aren’t in the habit of expressing gratitude for the little things in life are unlikely to do so even for more obvious, big things. Plus, they’re unlikely to return your favor if they can’t get something out of it.

“When you drink water, remember the source.”

This Chinese proverb encourages us to reflect on our perceptions. When someone helps you, don’t forget it. As we walk down the path to success and self-discovery, we will all need the help of others.

Remember, even if right now you’re on top of the mountain, not long ago you were way down on the ground. The people who helped you to get up and shake the dust off deserve your memory and gratitude. Let them know they can count on you.

“The gratitude of many is no more than the secret hope to receive new and greater benefits.”

The French writer and soldier François de La Rochefoucauld was clear.  There are many self-interested people who will use gratitude to get something. But you have the power to distinguish the hypocrites from people are truly grateful.

It may seem like a small thing, but it isn’t. Interacting with people who pretend to be grateful is actually quite dangerous. After all, when they get tired of using you, they won’t hesitate before betraying you to get other, bigger favors. Stay away from people with this attitude.

“When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs?”

The British writer and journalist Gilbert Keith Chesterton has a very interesting thought to share with us. For him, gratitude should make us look underneath the surface. For example, at Christmas, children should understand that any kind of gift is worthy of their gratitude, not just toys or money. If they learn early on what’s really important, they’re unlikely to forget it. And their future will be changed because of it.

Gratitude is worth cultivating, even on ordinary days. Regular days are full of little gifts; in fact, just being alive is a reason to be grateful and happy. Don’t you agree? Let’s challenge ourselves to look inwards and ask ourselves whether we’ve really been grateful to people for what they’ve done for us. Reflecting on gratitude may just give us a whole different perspective on the world.