Gratitude Connects Us
Did you know that feeling gratitude connects us? I live in Los Angeles. In 1994, we had a 6.7 magnitude earthquake centered in Northridge. I remember waking up to my bed being lifted and shaken was one of the scariest experiences of my life. It was as if a giant had picked me up and dropped me again. I feel scared now as I write this as I still live and love Los Angeles.
After quickly dressing and getting out of the apartment, checking in with neighbors and notifying children of our safety, my husband and I decided to take a long walk around the area to see what damage had occurred.
We were amazed to find everyone we walked by smiling and exchanging greetings and warm words with us.
This was L.A. No one ever looks at you as you walk by (unless you’re a beautiful young person.) No one ever smiles. Only street people asking for a handout ever talk to you.
But the gift we received was connecting to these L.A. strangers’ humanity. Under their fear and apprehension, everyone we met felt as we did – grateful to be alive and wanting to connect. Before this earthshaking event I always thought of Los Angeles as a pretty unfriendly place.
Now when I see people I don’t know no matter where I am, I remind myself who’s really inside the strangers I see. We don’t have to wait until earthquakes and 9/11 tragedies to have gratitude towards our loving, smiling neighbors.
And don't wait for the next death or illness in your own family to tell and show the people in your family that you love them and are grateful they are in your life.
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