Our values of the month at METNS are thankfulness and peacefulness. At wintertime and over the holiday season, we have the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, to relax and to reflect. It gives us an opportunity to appreciate all the good things we have and to take a break from our busy schedules. At this time of year people think about peace. They send holiday cards with peace written on them in attractive lettering and seasonal colours or which have idyllic scenes of snowy nights and animals in the woods. At the darkest time of year, we bring brightness and hope through festivals of light.
What is thankfulness? We describe this as having an attitude of gratitude or as being grateful for all that we have.
What is peacefulness? Peacefulness is an inner sense of calm. It comes especially in quiet moments of reflection or gratitude. It is a way of approaching conflict with others so no-one is made wrong. It is being fair to others and to yourself.
Values are principles that guide your thinking and behaviour. How does focusing on thankfulness and peacefulness do this? Having an attitude of gratitude makes us alert to all the positive things in our lives. Practising peacefulness helps to create a calm mind, free from worry. When you are peaceful you respect others and their differences. People around you feel safe and calm.
Make it your goal to count your blessings and to be a peacemaker this winter season. Use peaceful language and think of creative ways to solve problems. When we do this we spread hope and light in the world. The poet Maya Angelou reminds us in ‘Amazing Peace – A Christmas Poem’:
“Hope spreads around the earth, brightening all things, even hate which crouches breeding in dark corners.”
