Finding Gratitude in a Culture of Plenty

Последна актуализация петък, 19/07/2024

In our age of abundance, today's youth often struggle with gratitude. Instant gratification and entitlement overshadow genuine appreciation, leading to widespread discontent despite unprecedented comfort and opportunities. Embracing practical strategies—like stepping outside one's comfort zone, keeping a gratitude journal, and curating social media—can foster a mindset of gratitude, improve mental well-being, and shift focus from unrealistic comparisons to the positives in life.

In the morning, the majority of us kick-starts our day with a routine of breakfast followed by heading off to school or work. It's a rhythm often taken for granted, sometimes accompanied by casual complaints about the weather or our fatigue levels. Yet, in reality, these simple acts comprise a dream life for countless others. What we often overlook is the privilege of waking up in a warm bed, sheltered under a roof, with food on our table, and a path to education or employment. 

According to UNESCO, an astonishing 244 million children and youth aged 6 to 18 worldwide are denied the basic right to education (UNESCO, 2023. 244 million children won’t start the new school year). Education is essential as it empowers individuals, fosters critical thinking, and unlocks opportunities for personal growth and societal advancement. Just this sheer number of children missing out on schooling should be enough to give us pause and change how we view the privileges we often take for granted in our own daily routines.

In today's Western world, young people are experiencing a paradoxical reality. Despite living in an era of unprecedented comfort and opportunity, there seems to be a pervasive lack of gratitude among us. We enjoy a higher quality of life than any previous generation, with access to advanced technology, educational opportunities, and healthcare. Yet, instead of embracing these privileges, many of us are plagued by mental health issues – it is estimated that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (57.8 million in 2021) (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023. Mental Illness Statistics).

Now you might be thinking, easy to say that you should be more grateful, but hard to implement this gratitude thinking in reality. This is something that I have chosen to investigate and dig deeper into. Especially since I am part of the generation that excels at taking things for granted and comparing ourselves to ideals on social media, rather than being grateful for the many privileges we enjoy- a young person in today's Western world. 

The mix between scientific studies and my own “life-experimentation” has resulted in two lists of some practical tricks on how to translate knowledge into behavioural change, lists that I hope can help you in your gratitude journey.

Firstly, addressing the mental health crisis among youth requires a shift in mindset. We must cultivate gratitude for the privileges and opportunities afforded to us, recognising them as blessings rather than entitlements. Moreover, we must not take our advantages for granted but actively work towards creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Tips to promote gratitude by shifting to a more self-loving mindset: 

• Step out of your comfort zone: embrace novelty and connect with unfamiliar faces. It's really true what they say - you grow outside your comfort zone. I think we all remember the first day of school when we were young, and how we had to muster the courage to make friends. Had we not dared to reach out to that person who made us laugh a bit more, we might have missed out on the best friend we have today.

• Write a gratitude notebook: a wonderful way to end the day as it reminds you of all the good things that have happened. Additionally, it trains the brain to seek out positivity! 

• Explore new environments and cultures through travel or participation in activities outside your usual social circles. I can share a personal experience that was pivotal in fostering my sense of gratitude. During my gap year between high school and university, I chose to volunteer in a suburb near Paris, notorious for its high crime rates, drug issues, and poor integration. This experience profoundly reshaped my perspective. For the first time, I deeply appreciated the privileges I had taken for granted back home, especially the immense gratitude I felt for my family, something I hadn't fully recognised before. But not to forget - I also gained huge gratitude for the opportunity to improve their lives through my volunteering, and I was amazed by their tight-knit community, which laid the foundation for the close relationships they had.

Secondly, instead of comparing ourselves to unrealistic standards on social media, we should focus on self-acceptance and authenticity. Social media platforms have become a double-edged sword for young people. While they offer connectivity and a sense of belonging, they also fuel a culture of comparison. Scrolling through carefully curated feeds created by algorithms, we're bombarded with images of seemingly perfect lives, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. The pressure to measure up to unrealistic standards takes a toll on our mental well-being, contributing to anxiety and other psychological struggles.

Tips to promote gratitude by letting go of social media: 

• Curate your social media feed by unfollowing accounts that promote unrealistic standards. Today, it's effortless to stage and edit photos to create images that are far removed from reality. These accounts not only present a distorted view of life but also clutter your feed, making you miss meaningful updates from friends and family.

• Lower your screen time: nowadays, most mobile phones come equipped with screen time tracking features, and it can be eye-opening to see the amount of time spent glued to your device each week. Consider setting a daily limit for phone usage to regain control over your screen habits.

• Find a hobby that you can spend time on instead of grabbing your phone when you are feeling bored. For example painting, yoga, cooking or playing an instrument. 

• Shut down push notifications. This will help you stay focused on what you are doing instead of shifting focus to your phone each time you get a notification. 

• Challenge yourself to leave your phone at home: consider whether you truly need to carry it with you every time you step out of the house. Embracing moments without constant digital connectivity, whether it's a leisurely stroll or a quick trip to the grocery store, can offer a remarkably serene experience.

In essence, one solution to our mental health struggles lies in cultivating a mindset of gratitude and perspective. By acknowledging and appreciating the abundance in our lives, we can foster resilience and well-being in the face of adversity. It's time for us to open our eyes to the blessings around us and take meaningful action to create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.

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Young Journalists in Europe - Meet the author

Emma Örjas

Hello, or as we say in Swedish, Hej!

I am a twenty-two-year-old girl from a small town near Gothenburg. Currently engaged in Social and Environmental Studies, I serve as the Head of Marketing on the board of my university. Additionally, I work in management consulting and contribute to the NGO Hand in Hand, alternating between paid and voluntary roles. Beyond my academic and professional pursuits, I have a keen interest in sports, sustainability, and writing. By joining the Pool of young journalists in Europe, I aspire to integrate my passion for storytelling with global issues.
 

This article reflects the views of the authors only. The European Commission and Eurodesk cannot be held responsible for it.