"Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done."

The above written lyrics are from the song "Count Your Blessings" written by Rev. Johnson Oatman, Jr. in the late nineteenth century.

This song was always quite popular around this time of year, Thanksgiving.

While not an official holiday in The Bahamas, Thanksgiving is observed by many Bahamians.

Many, however, may be in a sombre mood this Thanksgiving and the upcoming Christmas season because of the economic situation of our country.

Many in our community are financially stressed and burdened, feeling discouraged and disheartened and may find it hard to be thankful this Thanksgiving.

However, I am writing today to say that in spite of the economic forecast, in spite of the fact that many of us are financially distressed, if we stop and count our blessings and name them one by one, we will realize that we still do have a lot to be thankful for.

We must all try and develop an attitude of gratitude in all situations. In 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 and verse 18, we are admonished to give thanks in all circumstances.

As this is a youth column, I wish to address the youth today, on how they can develop an attitude of gratitude despite all that may be going on in our society.

Attitude may be defined as your "manner, disposition, feeling, position, etc., with regard to a person or thing; tendency or orientation, esp. of the mind."

Gratitude is "the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful."

Most of you may have heard the saying, "your attitude determines your altitude in life."

This is such a true saying, your attitude, your outlook on life with regards to people, things or situations, determines your altitude, exactly how far you go in life.

Your attitude is shown in the way you think, speak and act. We should therefore always try to think positive thoughts no matter how bleak things may look.

Two people can be in the very same situation, one may allow circumstances to completely drain life out of them while another, because of his attitude, the way he looks at life, by making the best out of every situation, will survive.

Those optimistic people who maintain a positive attitude, an attitude of gratitude in all situations, realize that "This too will pass," that in life we may go through bad situations but things will always get better and it is usually up to us to ensure that they do.

So how can you develop this type of attitude, a positive attitude that will allow you to be grateful in life, an attitude of gratitude?

1. Make a list of the things that you are happy about in your life and compare them to the things that you may be unhappy about.

Many persons complain and dwell on the things that they don't have rather than being grateful for what they do have.

Even though you may not have all that you want in life, if you sit and think about the things that you do have; life, health, a home, family and friends who love you, you should realize that you are blessed.

2. Appreciate the sacrifices that your parents make for you.

Many young people are truly 'spoilt'. They have become accustomed to and therefore always expect the finer things in life.

They want to go to the best schools, have the latest clothing, gadgets etc. Many of them do not understand when their parents are unable to do all that they have become accustomed to.

However, you should realize and appreciate the many sacrifices that your parents make for you. Be grateful for them.

As older children, teenagers in high school, you should be old enough to understand the value of money and the sacrifices your parents make to pay school fees, purchase your school supplies, clothing and food.

You should therefore understand when they can't get you that latest cellphone,video game, buy that outfit you long for or even give you money for the movies or 'Rotation' as often as you would like.

Never compare yourself to your friends in a competition to try and obtain all that they have. Be grateful for your parents and the fact that they try to meet your essential needs.

3. Keep up-to-date with what is happening in your community and the world at large

As young people you should practice reading and watching our local news and international news.

Become aware of what is occurring in our country and the world at large. Many young people are suffering because their parents are not able to meet their basic needs.

Many children around the world are literally dying of malnutrition. Many people in recent times have been laid off jobs.

Are your parents employed? Are they able to meet at least your basic needs? When you become aware of all that is happening in our society, it should help you to be thankful for what you have.

Develop an attitude of gratitude. Look for the good in all situations. You may have lost a loved one, be thankful for the time that you had with that person and cherish and show appreciation to the loved ones that are still in your life.

Show kindness towards others. This too will help you develop an attitude of gratitude.

During this time of hardship for many families, when you can see that your parents are distressed, do your part to ease their burdens by helping around the home and showing them that you are grateful for them.

Use this as a time to resolve to make a better life for yourself by studying hard, focusing in school and striving to achieve your goals in life.

There are many who are sick, dying of terminally ill diseases while you complain of frivolous things.

Be grateful this Thanksgiv-ing for all that you do have. I admonish you to write that list, count your blessings, name them one by one; it just may surprise you to see all that the Lord has done.

Written By: Deborah Pratt

Certified Corporate trainer/Motivational speaker

dapsbusserv@yahoo.com