"OUT OF THE DARKNESS" POST 53

This day we are living in, we have lost touch with the true meaning of gratitude.  It is completely understandable as gratitude requires stillness and reflection; two things which are very difficult in our busy, overstimulated lives.  As a result we are missing out on the benefits, which is greater than many people realize.  When struggling with anxiety and depression in this fast paced world, gratitude may be the last thing on your mind.

People love to be appreciated.

Gratitude for yourself is a great thing and is very beneficial, but expressing your gratitude toward others makes it real for you and beneficial to the recipient. Expressing your gratitude can build connections up and improve your relationships.  

Gratitude helps us refocus on

positive emotions.  It guides us to take an optimistic approach to the challenges we face in life. This is important to building your resilience and by building resilience we improve the quality of our life; we will bounce back from hardships we encounter with more ease.  I try to practice gratitude no matter what my circumstances may be.  There is always going to be something you can find to be grateful for. Being grateful makes you happy about the positive things you do have in your life; the people we love who love us, even a stranger who was kind to you in some way.  It will turn bad things into good things.  Having problems at work?  Be grateful you have work.  Be grateful for the challenges.  Without them, life could be boring.  We learn too from the challenges.  They make us stronger people.  It is hard to complain about the little things when being grateful that your children are alive and healthy and likewise difficult to complain about paying bills when you are blessed with a roof over you head.  So you see the point I am trying to make;  there is always a positive to be realized along with anything negative.  It will remind you to say thank you to someone.  The simple act of saying thank you to someone can make a tremendous difference in their life.  Just taking the time to stop and tell them why you are grateful towards them is important to them. People love being appreciated for who they are and what they do.  It costs you very little but makes someone else happy and therefore makes you happy as well.  As I had mentioned before, keeping a gratitude journal has tremendous positive benefits for you.

I will remind you, friends, to be grateful for all the not so great things that happen in our lives.

These are your opportunities for growth and creativity.  All these times can be unfortunate, stressful, harmful and sad but the same things CAN BE looked at in a more positive way.

Be thankful for not having everything you desire.  If you did, what would there be to look forward to?  Be thankful for your limitations because they give you the opportunity to learn.  Each new challenge you face builds your character.  Be thankful for your mistakes, they will teach you valuable lessons.  Be thankful for being tired and weary because it means you've made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fullfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.  Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they CAN BECOME your blessings.