It's easy to feel grateful when life is good, but what about when things are not so easy? In the midst of this global pandemic can we, or should we, still feel grateful?
I believe that it is precisely during these difficult times when we have the most to gain from taking a grateful approach to life. Being grateful can actually help us to cope with challenging situations that we face. No matter what happens to us, if we “dig deep” we often find that there is plenty to be thankful for in our lives.
There is a growing body of research which shows there are many benefits to being grateful. Gratefulness can make us feel happier and it can lower our stress levels. Gratitude helps us to develop a more positive outlook and to reflect on the things that we have in our lives instead of always striving for more … the next goal, the new outfit, the exotic holiday, the new car, or the house renovation. Gratitude is simply about practising a genuine appreciation for what we already have.
Today was Red Nose Day and at Sherfield we took the time to think about how lucky we are and how we can help others who are not so fortunate. We took part in lots of fun activities and collected donations to help tackle important issues including homelessness, hunger, domestic abuse and mental health stigma. The work we do throughout the year to raise money for the different causes that we support not only helps many people, but it gives our children the opportunity to practise being grateful. People who are grateful are generally more positive, more satisfied with their lives, and will be able to see the silver lining even on cloudy days.
So as I write my last ‘blog’ for the Sherfield Newsletter before saying good bye at the end of this term. I would like to share with you what I am grateful for. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to be part of Sherfield’s journey over the last three years. I am grateful to have been a member of such a driven and hardworking leadership team, grateful to have worked with a group of staff who truly place children at the heart of what they do and frequently go above and beyond in providing the very best educational experiences for them. I am grateful for the support and such kind emails that I have received from you as parents and I am grateful that I have been privileged enough to have spent time with your wonderful children who have given me so many happy memories (and funny stories!) to take away with me.
So my final challenge for you all is to have a Grateful April…can you, as a family, write down something that you are grateful for every day of April? Pop them in a jar and when the rainy days arrive read through them and create your own rainbows.
Mrs Emma West
Head of Senior Prep
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