"وقتی قدرشناسی را تمرین می‌کنید، نسبت به دیگران احساس احترام وجود دارد."

Gratefulness is more than just a warm, fuzzy feeling—it's a powerful way to connect with the people around you. When you make a habit of being thankful, you naturally start to see and appreciate all the ways others contribute to your life. You're not just feeling good about your own situation; you're recognizing and valuing the efforts, kindness, and support of those around you.

Think about it for a moment. When someone does something nice for you, big or small, and you genuinely express gratitude, it’s not just about saying "thank you." It’s about acknowledging their effort and showing that you see and respect what they’ve done. This acknowledgment can deepen your relationships and create a positive cycle of respect and kindness.

Historically, the idea of gratitude fostering respect isn’t new. Philosophers like Cicero and leaders like Lincoln have emphasized its importance. Cicero called gratitude not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others. He believed that a grateful heart was at the foundation of a good character and healthy society. Lincoln, in a time of great division and hardship, proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving, hoping that a collective sense of gratitude could unify and heal the nation.

Now, let’s bring this into a real-life scenario. Suppose you work in an office, and your colleague, Jamie, always goes out of their way to help you meet your deadlines. Sometimes they stay late; other times, they take on additional tasks to ease your workload. If you make it a point to genuinely thank Jamie—highlight specific actions they took and how it helped you—you're showing that you respect their time and effort. This isn’t just about courtesies; it builds a culture of mutual respect and support in your workplace. Jamie feels seen and valued, and you’re likely to find that they’ll continue to support you, maybe even more enthusiastically.

So how do you cultivate this habit of gratefulness? Start small. Every day, take a few moments to think about the people who’ve helped you, even in minor ways. Maybe your partner made you coffee this morning, or a stranger held the door open for you. Acknowledge these moments and express your appreciation out loud. Keep a gratitude journal if that helps—write down at least three things you’re grateful for each day. Over time, you’ll find that this practice becomes second nature and your interactions with others will improve.

Imagine you’re at a family gathering. Your aunt has gone out of her way to prepare your favorite dish. Instead of just eating and enjoying it silently, you go up to her and say, “Thank you so much for making this. It reminds me of my childhood and it means a lot to me.” Your aunt’s eyes light up. She feels appreciated and respected. That’s the power of gratefulness in action—it’s these small moments that build stronger, more respectful relationships.

In summary, practicing gratitude isn’t just about feeling good. It’s about recognizing and respecting the efforts of those around you. It builds stronger connections and fosters a culture of mutual respect. So next time someone does something for you, don’t just say "thanks"—take a moment to reflect on their effort. Show them that you see and value what they’ve done. It’ll make a world of difference.