What if you woke up tomorrow and could only keep the things you were grateful for today?
Would your list include the basics we often overlook—clean water, fresh air, your health, and the people who fill your life with meaning?
Most of us rush through life, taking these blessings for granted. It’s only when something is missing that we realize how much we’ve overlooked.
But here’s the good news: gratitude can change all that. It shifts your perspective, unlocking joy in the mundane and strength in the challenging. And while gratitude doesn’t always come naturally, it’s a skill we can nurture.
Through the twists and turns of my own life, I’ve had moments that redefined my understanding of gratitude—moments that shook me awake and opened my eyes to a new way of seeing the world.
These experiences taught me lessons that transformed my perspective, and I believe they can do the same for you. Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good idea; it’s a powerful tool for living a more fulfilled and meaningful life.
The Foundation of Gratitude: We Can’t Do It Alone
From the moment we’re born, we rely on others. As babies, we depend on our parents to feed us, change us, and love us unconditionally. As we grow, we need teachers to educate us, mentors to guide us, friends to support us, and communities to ground us. No one accomplishes anything on their own—not really.
Yet, how often do we pause to reflect on the immense network of people who’ve helped us along the way? We don’t think about the farmer who grew the food on our table or the engineer who designed the electricity powering our homes.
And most importantly, we forget that everything comes from Hashem. He’s orchestrated every detail of our lives, from our relationships to the air we breathe.
Gratitude begins with recognizing how much we depend on others—and, ultimately, on Hashem.
A Flashback to My Childhood: A Troublemaker’s Perspective
I wasn’t an easy child to raise—let’s get that out of the way. I struggled in school, rarely understood or followed directions, and kept most of my thoughts and feelings to myself. On top of that, I was a bit of a troublemaker, keeping my parents on their toes.
Growing up, I was pretty self-centered, as many kids are. I never stopped to think about what life looked like through my parents’ eyes. But now that I’m a parent myself, I see things differently.
When I look at my kids and think about the energy, patience, and love it takes to raise them, I flash back to my own parents. The sacrifices they made for me, the sleepless nights, the constant juggling—it’s overwhelming. And it makes me grateful in a way I never knew how to be before. (Thank you Mom and Dad!)
Sometimes, it takes standing in someone else’s shoes to truly appreciate their efforts and the real value of the benefit you receive. Gratitude doesn’t just happen—it grows from these realizations.
Lessons from the Blackout: Gratitude in Unexpected Places
On August 14, 2003, the Northeast of the United States experienced a massive blackout, plunging tens of millions into darkness and chaos for days.
That evening, my friends and I were driving from Monsey to Brooklyn for a wedding. Halfway down the FDR, traffic came to a complete standstill. Cars weren’t just stuck—they were abandoned, parked haphazardly on the highway as drivers resigned themselves to the gridlock. Realizing we had no other choice, we left the car and started walking.
It was a scorching summer day, and we were dressed in our best suits and dress shoes for the occasion. By the time we crossed the Williamsburg Bridge, sweat dripping down our backs, the sun beating relentlessly on us, locals stood on the sidewalks handing out bottles of cold water to the stranded walkers. That water wasn’t just refreshing—it was eye-opening in that moment.
The blackout stretched on, leaving us stranded in Brooklyn for three days, including Shabbat, with nothing but the sweat drenched clothes on our backs. Yet, in the midst of it all, a friend’s family welcomed us into their home, offering showers, food, and even fresh clothing. Their warmth and hospitality taught me something profound: we take so much for granted—running water, clean clothes, and a safe place to sleep.
Sometimes, it takes losing the things we rely on every day to realize how much we depend on them. And in those moments of clarity, gratitude becomes a lifeline, transforming even the smallest acts of kindness into monumental gifts. Do we realize that Hashem gives us these gifts every second of our lives?
The Gift of Breath
There’s a powerful story of a wealthy man who, after surviving a severe illness, was handed a medical bill for his time in the hospital. The cost was staggering, running into the thousands. As he read the bill and saw the cost of just the ventilator he was on alone, tears streamed down his face.
It wasn’t the money—he could easily afford it. It was the realization that broke him. He had spent his entire life breathing effortlessly, never once pausing to feel grateful for the countless breaths Hashem had given him for free.
How many of us go through life without appreciating the things that seem so basic? The ability to breathe, walk, see, or even smile? When we stop and acknowledge these blessings, our entire perspective shifts.
Training Ourselves to See the Good
Gratitude isn’t automatic—it’s a skill we have to develop. The Torah teaches us to look for the positive and remember the good constantly. Hashem took us out of slavery, cares for us, and guides us every day. But recognizing these blessings takes effort.
Our Siddur is set up in a way to keep us focused on all of the blessings that Hashem has given us. Modeh Ani, Birkot Hashachar, Asher Yatzar, and the list goes on. We just end up doing them by rote and become immune to the meaning that rolls off our lips.
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The more we train ourselves to look for the good, the more our brains naturally focus on gratitude. Start small: appreciate catching the bus just in time, the perfect parking place, a kind word from a friend, or the warmth of the sun on your face. Over time, these small moments add up, filling your days with positivity.
In the beautiful tefillah of נשמת, we proclaim that Hashem is “המהולל בכל התשבחות” (“He is praised with all praises”). Interestingly, some versions replace בכל (“all”) with ברוב (“most”), hinting at the complexity of gratitude.
While all thanks and praise ultimately belong to Hashem, our sages teach that true gratitude begins with the people around us. If we don’t learn to appreciate and thank our parents, teachers, friends, and even the waiter pouring you water at your table, we won’t know how to properly express gratitude to Hashem.
Hashem, in His wisdom, wants us to cultivate gratitude for others because it trains us to see the good in everything. This practice deepens our ability to recognize His constant kindness, leading to an even greater appreciation for all that He does. Gratitude begets gratitude, creating a ripple effect that ultimately brings us closer to Hashem.
Gratitude: A Path to Joy and Connection
Hashem, in His infinite wisdom, sometimes places us in situations of lack to teach us how to truly appreciate what we have. Whether it’s being stranded in Brooklyn without basic comforts or a man hooked up to a ventilator realizing the priceless gift of every breath, these moments of need open our eyes to life’s blessings.
But here’s the beauty: we don’t have to wait for these wake-up calls. When we actively cultivate gratitude, we not only avoid having to learn these lessons the hard way but also unlock a deeper joy in life.
Gratitude strengthens our relationships, draws us closer to Hashem, and transforms even the mundane—a simple drink of water, a warm shower, or a fresh breath—into something extraordinary.
Start Your Gratitude Journey
Imagine waking up each morning with a sense of gratitude that fills your day with positivity and purpose. That’s the transformation 4-Minute Gratitude can bring.
In just four minutes a day, you’ll train your mind to uncover the hidden gems you often take for granted, embrace and appreciate the good around you, strengthen your relationships, and deepen your connection to Hashem. Sign up for the 4-Minute Gratitude waitlist.
Gratitude isn’t just a practice—it’s the key to living the dream. Embrace it, and watch your world transform.
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