Why GratItude Is Good
Berkshire Life|January 2020
Gratitude goes beyond great manners – it’s a mindset and a lifestyle choice. Holly Louise Eells discovers the art of appreciation
Holly Louise Eells
Why GratItude Is Good

The festive season is over and hopefully everyone’s had lots of fun, but now it’s time to begin the post-Christmas task of putting pen to paper – or fingers to phone – and writing or typing our thank you notes. After all, it’s common courtesy.

You may well ask: what is the big deal about manners and gratitude? Well, for starters, gratitude can change your life because it makes you appreciate what you have rather than what you don’t have.

Gratitude and manners are vital for our everyday wellbeing and, believe it or not, benefits us all, not just the younger generation. As a girl, my mother taught me polite words and phrases, to respect my elders, to give eye contact, how to communicate well and the basic ‘please’ and ‘thank yous’, which I believe have helped me in many ways.

“It always starts at home,” says leadership, life and career coach Tracy James from Maidenhead, Berkshire. “Our children copy everything we do from a very young age. If we demonstrate inconsiderate and internally focussed behaviours, they will manifest in our children before they even go to school.”

Instead, we need to instil common courtesy, manners and gratitude in our children by modelling that behaviour. And a small deed, such as writing a thank you note, goes a long way.

This story is from the January 2020 edition of Berkshire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 2020 edition of Berkshire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BERKSHIRE LIFEView All
A Home For Keeps - Reader At Home
Berkshire Life

A Home For Keeps - Reader At Home

Alex and James Fielden were looking for a forever home. Their search ended as soon as they pulled up outside this Georgian property in Berkshire

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
Duke & Duchess Of Berkshire?
Berkshire Life

Duke & Duchess Of Berkshire?

They are the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge but should they really be the Duke and Duchess of Berkshire, which is, of course, a Royal county?

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
A national hero
Berkshire Life

A national hero

He started out like many other children born in Reading, but mention Justin Fletcher to any kid in the land these days and their eyes will light up

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
Fruitful thinking
Berkshire Life

Fruitful thinking

Ryan Simpson believes the world is our orchard. A project that began over a pint in his local is making the county more fruity

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
THE BERKSHIRE BOMBSHELL
Berkshire Life

THE BERKSHIRE BOMBSHELL

Berkshire has had more than its fair share of famous inhabitants. However, few had such an explosive reputation as Diana Dors

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
“I'll always be a Berkshire girl”
Berkshire Life

“I'll always be a Berkshire girl”

Despite her international acclaim as the star of TV’s Tracy Beaker, Dani Harmer has never strayed far from her roots

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
Remembering the fallen
Berkshire Life

Remembering the fallen

The most destructive war in human history lasted for six years and cost 60 million lives, the majority non-combatants. It is easy to understand why those who had survived wanted to celebrate the end of that conflict

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
HIDDEN WONDERS
Berkshire Life

HIDDEN WONDERS

Berkshire photographer Matt Emmett has made it his mission to explore the forgotten architecture and heritage many people miss in their home towns

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
EXPLORING BERKSHIRE - Majestic Maidenhead
Berkshire Life

EXPLORING BERKSHIRE - Majestic Maidenhead

Rejuvenation and revival; two buzz words surrounding the biggest town in the Royal borough. With riverside views and a vibrant arts and dining out scene, this high-class town is well worth a look

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
A good grounding
Berkshire Life

A good grounding

Berkshire has some of the best homes in the land, so perhaps it is no coincidence that the nation’s favourite property guru went to school in Wokingham

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020