Ever feel that sinking feeling after a great conversation, realizing you spent most of the time talking about “to-do” lists and the weather? We’ve all been there! But what if we shifted gears a little?
In Kenya, our culture embraces expressing gratitude, or “Asante” as we say it, as an integral part of our everyday life. A simple “Asante” goes a long way, but Kenyans take it a step further.
Imagine this: you help a neighbor carry groceries, and they don’t just say “thanks,” they might offer you a cup of chai (spiced tea) or even a plate of ugali (cornmeal) – a gesture that says, “Your kindness has touched me and I want to share something with you.” This ingrained sense of appreciation creates a culture of warmth and connection.
With that in mind, how can we bring this beautiful practice into action? Let’s do away with the transactional conversations and focus on genuine connection. Express gratitude for the little things: a sunny day, a helpful stranger, a delicious meal, someone going out of their way to check on you, a compliment on your work output and outfit. Look at life from the positive side and watch how your interactions become richer and more meaningful.
Remember, a heart full of gratitude is a heart that attracts more good things to come. Asante sana (thank you very much) for joining me on this journey!
By Eric Gitonga