Affairs of the Heart: Gratitude is the Attitude ... by Akua Hinds

from SMJ Magazine Fall 2022 Issue #36

Sasona Olusola ... by Michelle Moore

By Akua Hinds

of the HEART

Gratitude is the Attitude

Thanksgiving this year felt different to me. In fact, this entire year has felt different to me, but in a good way. These past two and a half years have delivered life lessons that transcended time. We had to experience a global pandemic that none of us could have predicted or planned for. We lived through separations, masks, endless amounts of hand sanitizer, constant grim media reports about hospitalizations and deaths, canceled travel plans, school online, Zoom weddings, livestreamed funerals, and so much more.

Now the world is opening up again and face masks are not a requirement in most public places anymore. I am grateful for that. Yet we are living a life that is very different to before the corona virus.

For many years, I have long wondered why there are so many unfair situations in the world. I am sure if you are reading this right now, you have sometimes wondered about the same things. Why do some people live in loving families and other people do not? It seems as if some people get all of the good breaks in life and other people get the short end of the stick. The truth is that it is unfortunate why some people suffer severely and other people don’t. God gave us all free will, but that freedom comes responsibility. Unfortunately, some people are reckless, and their reckless actions leave negative impacts for multiple generations of people. However, the point is that we have a choice. We can do our part to make a difference for our lives and for the future generations. And it starts with gratitude.

Are you having trouble thinking about what you have to be grateful for? If you think hard about it, you will realize that you have priceless blessings which are more valuable than any mineral of the earth. The secret is in you. Changing your viewpoint will change your life. Out of all the relationships you have had in your life, what is the one common denominator? You are the one common thread in all of your relationships. When unfair things happen, you can choose to become bitter, or, you can choose to become better. You get to choose to be a victor, or, you get to choose to be a victim. Hold firm to your faith and convictions, and if you do not have any faith, get some! You made it through a global pandemic. You beat the odds, and there is so much within you that you have yet to explore. I recently met an American woman through some online networking events, and her story blew me away. She is one year younger than me, and several years ago, she experienced a stroke when she was in her twenties. This amazing woman had to relearn everything: walking, talking, and functioning like a typical adult. Now, Suzy is married and she and her husband are raising their young son and running a thriving business. Hearing Suzy share her experiences and seeing her genuine joy helping others made me realize that the time is now. I am not going to wait to feel gratitude. There is so much to feel grateful for in this moment and in many of life’s moments in which I was forced to learn tough lessons that I did not want to learn. However, I would not be the person I am today had I not learned those lessons. Be grateful for the possibilities to make changes that only you can make. You have what it takes, and you are exactly what this world needs to make a difference right now.

Akua Hinds, journalist, actress, music performer & instructor, founder & marketing owner of dating sites www.InterracialDesires.net, www.RichSinglesDate.net, www.ChristianPartner.co

Please visit http://www.AkuaHinds.com & www.PurePassion.biz & www.PureRomance.com/AkuaHinds.