Reflecting on Gallipoli: Lessons in Gratitude from the Depths of History
Imagine a scene overwhelmed by the harsh realities of war: intense heat, relentless flies, the stench of decay, scarce water supplies, rampant diseases, and extreme fatigue. This was the daily horror faced by the Allied and Ottoman Empire troops in 1915 on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
When New Zealand's Expeditionary Force, consisting of 8,454 members, departed Wellington in October 1914, alongside the Australian Imperial Force, bound for WW1's Western Front, they could scarcely fathom the trials ahead. Instead, they were redirected to capture Gallipoli in a mission to open the Dardanelles to the Allied navies. What followed was a prolonged stalemate, culminating in a costly failure: 44,000 Allied soldiers perished, including 2,779 New Zealanders.
Despite these grim statistics being overshadowed by the colossal losses on the Western Front, the impact on New Zealand and Australia was profound. More than 32% of those who left Wellington never returned. Each day, New Zealand mourned the loss of 11 of its sons during the 239-day campaign. Yet, from these harsh conditions arose a national pride and identity, commemorated annually on April 25th—Anzac Day. For me, this day remains a time of deeper reflection and thanksgiving, akin to a National Day of Gratitude.
On this day, I engage in a personal ritual: reflect, capture, and act. Reflection begins with acknowledging current blessings—a practice highlighted by Eckhart Tolle's reminder of the importance of appreciating the good in one's life:
"Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance."
I then capture these blessings in writing, noting everything I am grateful for—from family and health to clean water and fresh air. Henri Frederic Amiel captures the essence of this process by distinguishing between mere thankfulness and the deeper, actionable gratitude:
"Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts."
The action phase involves expressing gratitude. William Arthur Ward encapsulated this by noting that unexpressed gratitude is like an ungiven gift:
"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."
I've set a weekly reminder to express thanks to someone, reinforcing the importance of gratitude not just in thought but in action. This habitual practice is a tribute to those who've paid high prices in the past—whether on the battlefields of Gallipoli or through other trials such as the hyperinflation in Zimbabwe from which I've also learned.
Life's adversities, including those experienced globally like the COVID-19 pandemic, present undeniable challenges. Yet, it is often in adversity that the opportunity for gratitude is most profound, as John F. Kennedy suggested: true appreciation comes not from words, but from living by them:
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
As we navigate these headwinds, let's commit to finding and expressing gratitude. It's a small gesture that can have a transformative impact on our lives and the lives of others.
Be encouraged to make the time to reflect, capture, and act. It is a small price to pay for peace and happiness that can last a lifetime.
Stay grateful, inspired and lead with excellence.
Gary Good
Founder - LeaderLegacy
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