Loyalty and Gratitude: A Parent’s Advice to Their Children

It was a quiet moment in the bustling grocery store that caught my attention. I witnessed a father teaching his 5-6-year-old child a valuable lesson. This parent, in a hurry, pulled his child aside to remind him about the importance of respect, even towards people who may not be as noticed as others. This teachable moment, which speaks volumes about the parent’s values and priorities, inspired me to reflect on the advice I’d like to impart to my children.

Acting in Self-Interest

I often tell my kids to be mindful that not everyone in a workplace is acting in their best interest. This has resulted in some difficult career choices. Loyal as we are as a family, sometimes loyalty can be misplaced. This advice helps them understand the importance of self-interest and making conscious decisions.

Gratitude and Selflessness

Yesterday, during a meditation class, Nikitha Mangu conducted a session on the concept of energy channels and centers in the body. Her insights were profound, and her willingness to share her personal experiences and knowledge for free was truly commendable. In the rush of the situation, I almost overlooked the gratitude that my brother reminded me of: to express sincere thanks for such generosity and effort.

It is a common habit to take the efforts of others for granted. The anxiety I felt during the Google Hangout was a stark reminder of this. As the clock ticked down, I wondered if the call would disconnect right when Nikitha was sharing her knowledge. Thankfully, the session concluded on a positive note, with my brother’s message reminding me to be grateful.

Gratitude and Mutual Understanding

As Natalie Goldberg wisely puts it, gratitude greases the joints for us to let go and to acknowledge what we have received. Reflecting on this, I realized the importance of expressing gratitude for the efforts and contributions of others. It is a small, heartfelt gesture that can make a significant difference in our relationships and surroundings.

Express Your Gratitude

I highly recommend expressing gratitude in your daily life. Here are a few simple ways to do so:

Thank the people who assist you, no matter how small their task. Express appreciation for the efforts of colleagues or friends. Remind yourself of the blessings you have every day.

With that in mind, I would like to share a brief announcement: my book, 'A Soulful Quest,' is now free to read on Amazon Kindle. Whether you prefer the Kindle version or print, I invite you to explore the lessons and insights within. Here are the links for Kindle:

Kindle India Kindle Canada Kindle U.S.

I am grateful for the opportunity to share this book with you. May it bring you joy and inspiration on your journey.

Note: The book is available in all countries but the links provided are specific to these three countries.