In the stillness of Arlington Cemetery, a Sentinel stood watch, alone but surrounded by the legacy of countless heroes. Each night, in the silence that fell across those hallowed grounds, he found himself reflecting on the virtues embodied by those resting there—service, courage, humility, and gratitude. This meditation on the values of those who gave everything for their country ignited a lifelong journey to live out these virtues, not just for himself, but to inspire and uplift others.
The book that I’m currently writing, Surrounded by Heroes invites you to join in that journey. It’s more than a book; it’s a guide for anyone who seeks to live with purpose, grounded in values that foster unity and hope. One of the twelve virtues I write about in the book is gratitude, and as we approach Thanksgiving, there’s no better time to reflect on how gratitude can shape our lives and strengthen our nation.
Here’s an excerpt from Chapter 4, which covers the transformative power of gratitude:
Chapter 4: The Virtue of Gratitude
Gratitude is foundational to personal growth and creating a future grounded in humility and appreciation. Yet today, this virtue faces a significant obstacle: entitlement. As our society progresses, with endless technology and conveniences at our fingertips, we unconsciously adjust our expectations. Life is supposed to be easier, faster, and more efficient—at least, that’s the idea. But as our expectations increase, so too does our sense of entitlement.
We begin to take for granted things our grandparents could only dream of. Many young people today have grown up in a world that revolves around them, a world where social media builds a platform centered on self and where trophies are awarded just for participating. While there’s nothing wrong with celebrating progress, an unintended consequence has crept in: entitlement hinders the flow of gratitude.
In contrast, a grateful person views life as a sacred gift—a gift that requires humility and an appreciation for all that we’ve been given. Gratitude reminds us to let go of pride and approach life with a sense of responsibility to those around us. The good news is, gratitude is a choice—a perspective we can cultivate. Studies show that gratitude has little to do with how much we have and far more to do with our attitude. Practicing gratitude can ease feelings of resentment, anxiety, and even bitterness. It has the power to transform emotional and physical health, strengthen relationships, and knit together communities. Acts of gratitude can be as simple as keeping a journal or reaching out to serve those less fortunate in our communities. These are practices that realign our focus and help us see how truly blessed we are.
We’re Not Perfect
I know our country is not yet a perfect union, and we’ve certainly made our share of mistakes. Yet, it’s because of this imperfection that I believe the best way to live with gratitude and optimism is to look closely at our past so we can build a wiser future. No matter how difficult or painful, the lessons we learn from history are far less likely to be repeated if we remember them.
Being an optimist and an American begins with a sincere appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy—freedoms our founding fathers fought and died for. They envisioned a country where people could live and grow without fear of government intrusion, and they laid down a foundation of liberty that we continue to build upon. For this, we have every reason to be grateful.
Gratitude as a Tool for Reflection
Thanksgiving serves as a reminder to pause and consider our blessings, but why stop there? This season of gratitude gives us a unique opportunity to look back, to remember, and to reflect. In a world driven by speed and convenience, there is value in slowing down, even if just once a year, to reflect on how far we’ve come, as individuals and as a nation. Reflection deepens our understanding of gratitude—it gives us the chance to remember those who came before us, who sacrificed and worked tirelessly so we could enjoy the freedoms we so often take for granted.
Embracing gratitude as a mindset isn’t just about acknowledging the blessings we see around us; it’s about valuing our history. As Americans, we inherit a legacy of courage, resilience, and opportunity. This Thanksgiving, we can take a moment to remember our founding fathers, who risked everything for a vision of freedom and opportunity. They laid the bedrock of a nation where we can freely live, grow, and even disagree. For that, we can all be grateful.
Gratitude allows us to view our country, not as a perfect union, but as one that is continually striving. And while we’ve faced missteps along the way, gratitude allows us to learn from our past rather than repeat it. Being a grateful optimist means acknowledging that while we may have work to do, we are still blessed with an incredible foundation—a foundation worth honoring and protecting.
The Transformative Power of Practicing Gratitude
Imagine how your life could change if you committed to gratitude, not just on Thanksgiving, but every day. Consider the difference it might make to view each day, not with entitlement, but with appreciation for what is. Start small: write down three things you’re thankful for each morning or make it a point to serve someone in your community. You might be surprised at the ripple effect that such a small act can create in your own heart and in the lives of others.
Imagine the impact this shift could have—not only on your daily outlook but on your career, your family, and maybe even your community. This isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about creating a habit of gratitude that has real, lasting effects on your life. Gratitude can improve mental health, enhance relationships, and provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment that isn’t dependent on possessions or circumstances. It has the power to open doors, soften hearts, and build bridges across divides.
Our communities could be transformed if gratitude became a way of life rather than just a seasonal feeling. By practicing gratitude, we acknowledge the dignity of others, which strengthens the social fabric of our neighborhoods, towns, and cities. And in a broader sense, gratitude can contribute to unity in our country. Instead of focusing on differences, gratitude shifts our focus to what we share—freedoms, opportunities, and a heritage of resilience and hope. It’s this shared foundation that has carried our nation through the toughest times, and it’s a foundation that we must not take for granted.
Join the Journey: Be Part of Surrounded by Heroes
Imagine how a single act of gratitude, practiced today, could change the course of your week, your career, and maybe even your outlook on life. This journey is just beginning, and it’s one that we can walk together. The book I am currently writing, Surrounded by Heroes is coming soon, with practical lessons to bring gratitude, humility, and other virtues into your life.
I invite you to join me as we embrace this path of growth, optimism, and unity. Sign up for notifications about the release or consider joining our launch team. Together, we can honor these timeless virtues and build a brighter, more grateful future for ourselves and for generations to come.