Were the Victorians on to something?

What a lovely thread. It's so easy to get bogged down in moaning about what we lack, perhaps we should count our blessings instead. I am truly grateful to be alive on this amazing planet, and in this country, and particularly in Devon,
such a beautiful county. I look out onto fields and trees and birds and give thanks.

I am interested in what people are adding about the Victorians - and of course I agree that the did not invent the idea of being grateful - but they did apparently encourage it. And they did some social reforms too. Something also to be grateful for.

the last few governments etc.

argymargy

The Victorians certainly didn't invent being grateful (just look at Thanksgiving in the US, for example) and no, I don't think they were "onto" anything much.

The Victorians introduced many welfare reforms that were far reaching and improved the lives of many people.

I think it fair to say that generally the Victorians exhibited more social conscience than than the few governments have shown.

I try hard to count my blessings, as does my DH.

It’s easy to see those who have more, do more, are healthier/richer/slimmer etc but we both believe true happiness comes from family and friends and a feeling of contentment.

The Victorians certainly didn't invent being grateful (just look at Thanksgiving in the US, for example) and no, I don't think they were "onto" anything much.

I am loving reading what people are saying they are grateful for - thank you. It is making so clear the things that matter in life. This helps when there are really painful things, and also helps everyday to let go the small blips we do not like - helps keep things in perspective. At this moment I can look out of the window at a tree and green leaves shifting sunshine and shadow in a breeze - and I'm grateful.

So many blessings ... a loving partner; good friends for mutual help and support; a comfortable home; sufficient income to pay the bills with a bit left over for some fun; reasonably good health; the peace of my tiny garden and the company of my cat.

I have a small notebook and each evening I write down at least one thing that I have done or has happened that I am grateful for.
It is amazing how a small thing can make you feel so good.

Totally agree with you. I always say that there’s someone with more than you but plenty with less and we should be thankful for what we have. As for the Victorians saying that children should be seen and not heard, after me telling our 7 year old granddaughter that when my father was a boy children were seen and not heard my husband told her that the government were bringing in that rule. She looked worried then said ‘grandad, you talk a load of nonsense’.

No, definitely I work a lot on my blessings counting and keeping under control the pest of negative thinking. I have a home, a small family, tons of greenery here, it is a nature reserve

a job which allows me to use my hands and do not have to lift, drag, move or push heavy stuff or sweat over number of things done in an hour.

Decent man for a husband who grew so much in his faith and genuine manliness since we met. Not perfect but fine

A small car to drive us to a nice beach,
so far the small and useful things in life I do appreciate. Nor a grand life, not super rich though this county is expensive!!!

Let gratitude be your attitude- very much a 21st century saying and nothing to do with the Victorians.

Being grateful for the good things you have is great aim to live by, regardless of what generation you are, or where or when you live.

Those Victorians left such a legacy for us, if only we had the good sense to use it.
I was brought up in a family where blessings counting was integral. It’s served me well

Applegran: you are doing well with your recovery from hip surgery! Well done!

I count my blessings everyday.
My DH might be a monosyllabic, two-faced, sly, underhand toad of a man sometimes. Yet I'm grateful for so many things; such as my lovely sons, my smashing dog & a nice roof above my head. Also a fat, healthy baby grandson. Oh & not forgetting beer & cake & books & a garden, as well as reasonable good health. 😉

Ashcombe I am so glad to read about those things you are grateful for and it leads me to add that I had a hip replacement about 7 weeks ago and am so grateful for the speed with which I have done a lot of recovering. I am walking without a stick and feel very lucky.

I am. thankful to be enjoying a period of more settled health following months of various problems, including two stays in hospital. From being told last year I should give up driving due to a concerning field of vision test which later proved to be inaccurate, I'm now able to drive long distances including to France where DH lives and to travel by train or car to see offspring who live over 200 miles from me.

I'm blessed to live in a beautiful part of the country (Torbay) with good neighbours and enough money to afford a cruise each year. Volunteering at my local amdram theatre and church involvement gives me regular social contact.

Yes, at 75 I do indeed have reason to count my blessings.