Human ambition can be a double-edged sword, as it is both our blessing and our curse that we perpetually strive for better. But on the journey to our highest states, too many are those who forget to slow down and savor the magic of every living moment. The world is a lush and wondrous place, and we, as sentient beings, are the only species on the planet with the ability to not only see the rushing ravine and the flaming sky at dusk; to not only taste the delicacies of nature's bounty, or feel the warmth of the love in our lives -- but more, to stop in awe and admire the abundance, and to hold onto each precious moment forever in our hearts and minds.
The minute we begin to open our eyes to the gifts around us and to truly cherish the distance we've all come, is the minute we begin to feel the power and beauty that's within our world, and within us all.
Here are our Top 10 Most Inspiring Quotes to Unlock the Power of Gratitude:
Top 10 Most Inspiring Quotes to Unlock the Power of Gratitude
Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.- Marcus Tullius Cicero
I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.- G.K. Chesterton
Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.- Oprah Winfrey
Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses.
- Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr
Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.- Charles Dickens
When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.- Willie Nelson
We need to learn to want what we have, not to have what we want, in order to get stable and steady happiness.- Dalai Lama
Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.- Eckhart Tolle
Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.- William Arthur Ward
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.- John F. Kennedy
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.