We've all heard that we should practice gratitude, count our blessings, and look on the bright side. But let's be honest - that's often easier said than done, especially when life throws us curveballs and difficulties.
The quote from Shauna Niequist sums it up beautifully: "When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. When life is bitter, say thank you and grow."
In the good times, expressing gratitude allows us to fully appreciate and soak in the joyful moments. Pausing to give thanks magnifies the sweetness. Looking back, some of my most cherished memories are tied to feelings of profound gratitude - getting married, the birth of my children, achieving a long-held goal. Saying "thank you" out loud or writing it down etched those happy experiences into my heart.
But what about the bitter times, when life is hard, painful, or unjust? That's when gratitude becomes an incredibly powerful coping tool and catalyst for growth. Finding things to be thankful for in the midst of darkness creates a sort of blessing from adversity. It's the old "look for the light" metaphor.
Maybe you're thankful for your support system that buoys you up. Maybe you express gratitude for the tough lessons that will make you stronger, wiser, or more resilient. Maybe you focus on appreciating the small joys that still exist even in difficulty.
Practicing gratitude trains our minds to scan for the positive bits, those things we can hang onto when times are tough. Over time, it becomes a habit, a mindset, a lamp that illuminates the gifts present even in life's bitter circumstances.
As we celebrate the sweet seasons while actively looking for reasons to say "thank you" in the bitter ones, we open ourselves to growing, stretching, and blooming in ways we may have never expected.
So go forth and practice gratitude daily. Keep a gratitude journal, make a habit of thanks before meals, or simply get in the groove of pausing to appreciate the good surrounding you each day. You may be surprised at how those two small words become a mighty lifeline to hope, joy, and thriving in all seasons of life.
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