Gratitude. That can be a tough one. I am sure that we can all agree that it’s easy to be grateful when things are going well. When everything is sunshine and roses, right?
Maybe it’s more like we just don’t have a grumbling attitude when everything seems to be working out.
But what about when things are difficult? Yes those dark, and trying times. Oh man. It’s really hard in those dark times for sure.
Do you think about gratitude in your life or how you are grateful? Or even if you are grateful?
Do you struggle with being thankful? Raise your hand!! Just kidding. Well even if you did it’s ok. Even if you are getting funny looks.
If you raised your hand, I’m right along there with you. Funny looks and all.
Being grateful is something that is talked about and discussed frequently, but do you really think about it or practice it? Like so many other things we can know it’s good for us or talk about it and not actually put it in to practice.
How do you live it out? How do you practice this? I’m absolutely not an expert and I struggle with this just as much as anyone else does.
So knowing that being thankful is so hard when we are walking in the middle of difficulty, what about when we look back on those rough times after they have ended? Do you look back on things you have come through?
Not so you can focus on them and stress over the mistakes you made, or hold on to the emotions of what happened. But to have a greater perspective on what you have come through. Do you look back with gratitude and be thankful for going through the difficulty?
Finding perspective can be something that takes practice, wisdom and insight from others.
But what about gratitude for what you have been through? Wow that is difficult!
Wait a minute. How can you be thankful for hard times?
I know it doesn’t make sense. I get it. Finding gratitude in the midst of hard times and when looking back on hard times can be a struggle and not something we want to do. I absolutely understand that.
Yet I truly think it is one of the most important keys in life.
Like usual friend, I don’t have this all figured out and wanted to just share a few thoughts with you, as all of us up here in Canada celebrate our Thanksgiving holiday this weekend.
While the Thanksgiving holiday only comes around once per year, I pray that you will have a grateful heart all year long. I pray that whether you are in the midst of difficult times or the difficulty is in the rear view mirror, you will practice the art of giving thanks.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian friends and family.
Comment below with your thoughts about gratitude or anything else. I would really like to hear your thoughts or your questions. Shoot me a personal message through the contact form on the site. I would love it if you like this enough to share it with others. Please SUBSCRIBE in the box above, it helps you know more of what’s going on.
Melodee Glassford 