The Meaning of Giving Thanks

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It can sometimes be challenging to give thanks for blessings when there’s perhaps seemingly little to be thankful for, which is why I believe Thanksgiving 2020 is one of the most important Thanksgivings of our lifetime.

Despite the state of the world and the challenges affecting our experience of life, there is still so much to be thankful for, so long as we know what it means to be thankful. Here are some interesting insights into the term “thank you” than may help to shed some light on this:

• Latin & English: The English form “Thank You” derives from the Latin word “tongere” which means “to think” or “thoughtfulness.” When it first appeared in English form, the concept of thanking someone was roughly translated as “I’ll remember what you did for me." 
• Spanish & Italian: The Spanish and Italian words “Gracias” and “Grazi” are from the Latin word for “thanks” as derived from the word for “grace” meaning “pleasing” or “thankful.” Grace has since come to also refer to “mercy, favor, or virtue,” which itself refers to “moral strength, high character, goodness, excellence, and worth.”
• Japan: The Japanese translation stems from the word “arigatashi” meaning “to exist” (aru) and “difficult” (katai). In other words, to say “Thank You” to someone in Japanese is to recognize how rare and precious the person and their behavior is.

Using these definitions as a foundation, perhaps giving thanks is more than just a list of abundant blessings, but also a recognition of the strength and high character that we’ve developed as a result of our experiences—even for the unfortunate events. Perhaps it’s a remembrance of the rare and precious moments, however few, that shed light of hope into our lives. And perhaps it’s a promise to remember all those who are no longer with us, to actively hold them in our memory as a muse to honor as we continue to move forward.

Perhaps

Reflection

How do you define being thankful and giving thanks? Using this definition, what are you thankful for and how will you give thanks for it?

Final Thought

Despite the state of the world, there is still much to be thankful for, which is why Thanksgiving 2020 will perhaps go on record as one of the most important Thanksgivings of our lifetime, serving as a valuable reminder of the true blessings available to us so long as we know how to address them. By exploring these new understandings of what it means to be thankful and to give thanks, we’ll discover a sure foundation for our experiences that cannot be shaken by life’s whims.

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Jonas Cain is a Positivity Coach, Learning Experience Designer, and Facilitator of Fascination for Hashtag Positivity, helping emerging leaders and their influencers initiate and manage positive change for themselves and the communities they serve.