“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; Surah Ibrahim (14:7) Tweet   Gratitude changes everything. It shapes our life perspective,  defines what is important to us and essentially gives meaning to this finite life. Gratitude is the silent knowing that everything in life is a borrowed gift. Hence nothing is taken for granted or expected. When someone appreciates seeing the sun rise instead of complaining that they have to be up early – that’s gratefulness; when after a long workday, someone cherishes a moment of silence followed by a simple meal – that’s gratefulness; and, when a friend despite her busy work schedule makes time for lunch to meet with and listen to her boon companion who is going through a hard time -that’s compassion which is  inspired by gratitude.   Being grateful for all the blessings we have including people, health, resources and opportunities fosters humbleness and awareness that kindness and gracefulness are not optional but a requirement. After having meet clients, couples, patients and executives in therapy, assessment and  coaching sessions and in board rooms for over two decades,  those who embrace an attitude of gratitude or learned to do so have better relationships, higher job satisfaction, are more content and able to adapt, are more balanced partners and  have better relationships in their lives. Truth be told, we cannot choose all denominators or cards we hold in our hands but we can make one important decision: To be grateful for the hand that we have been dealt. Gratefulness leads to increased humbleness, kindness and tolerance. There is no perfect life, no perfect partner. However, there is the choice of gratitude that can help us to navigate life in a more rewarding and gentle way. And as we cannot change anybody else but ourselves we may well become a living proof and example for others that gratitude and generosity are age changers and do go a long way.

  One of the most important decision of Your Life is surely  who you choose as your life partner – who you choose to marry. – Anonymous   All beginnings are easy …

“Whoever you love, you bury them, or they will bury you.” – Anonymous The cycle of life cannot be understood by solemnly looking at what brings joy and contentment; indeed, these things are often fleeting – at times they are stifling your growth; life is best appreciated by accepting the intrinsic hardship and losses it brings. There is no perfect life – no perfect deen. Only when you embrace all that shows up in your lives (hardship and ease) – when you deal with it and grow with it – can you look back on a life well lived and in service to others. Falling in love, then choosing to love and to spending your life with a like-minded partner can be satisfying and fulfilling; yet, let’s never forget that this too shall pass. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.  You attempt to control your life and events to establish predictability; yet, you arrived here without planning on and you are leaving without knowing your departure date. Why not attempt to appreciate and show gratitude for the learning experiences you are offered while being a guest in this transient world. Be kind to friends and strangers; stay close to family as far as possible. Don’t get caught up in small stuff  – you don’t have that time to waste – rather be forgiving and kind to self and others. And remember:  Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Allah we shall return.” إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ ” Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhiraji’un.” “Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Allah we shall return.” – Quran 2:156