Lovely morning.When someone does something for us or gives us something, we say ‘thank you’ for their thoughtfulness. ” There is no one who doesn’t like to be told ‘thank you’.
Conversely, even in negative situations, such as when you are tired or don’t feel good about the other person, just being thanked can be empowering: it can make you feel a little better, it can improve your impression of the other person, and so on.
What exactly should you be thankful for when you say ‘thank you’? If you think this is the case, try looking at things from a different perspective.
In our daily lives, we tend to take for granted the existence of things that are in front of us ‘now’ if we are not conscious of it. However, the origin of the Japanese word ‘arigato’ (thank you) is written in kanji (Chinese characters) as ‘it is difficult’ to be present, which is easy to understand. In other words, it means something that doesn’t happen that easily, something that rarely happens. On a deeper consideration, what we think of as always existing normally in front of us can be thought of as a series of miracles that have brought them into existence in front of us.
Arigato” was originally used only in reference to God and Buddha. Since it was rare or impossible for God to lend him or her strength, people used the word ‘arigatō’ to praise God.
So, take a step back and look at yourself objectively, or look around you and see things from the other side. If you can just change your perspective and realise how blessed you are and how your life is not ordinary, you will naturally feel ‘thankful’ every day.
People tend to focus on what they lack. Many people tend to focus on what they “don’t have”, such as not having time to study, not having money to buy what they want, not having the chance to challenge themselves, etc., and they fail to realise what is really right in front of them, and they are unable to maintain a kind heart, which has led them to respond in a careless way.
By rethinking the origin of the word – that what you have, the people who are by your side, and their existence are so wonderful that it is ‘difficult’ to really ‘exist’ – you can be grateful for many things, and by saying ‘thank you’, the people around you will be full of smiles, and you may be able to pursue with your loved ones what you pursue and what you ‘do not have’.
The expression “thank you” in the world also originates from the feeling of “I am thinking of you” or “I will never forget the kindness you have given me”. If many people can cherish these beautiful words and live each day with gratitude for the people, things, environment and society that exist in front of them, a wonderful world may surely expand.