Gratitude in Adversity

I once had a neighbor who was very fragile in her age. When I’d ask her how she was doing, she would always respond, “I am counting my blessings. That’s what counts. Things don’t have to be one way all the time. Changes happen and I go with them and laugh instead of growl.” I loved her attitude, even though she was ill and up in years. She was accepting changes with a positive and grateful perspective. “The greatest trap in our life is not success, popularity or power, but self-rejection.” – Henri Nouwen When we struggle with mental, emotional, physical or relationship challenges, it is difficult to feel thankful and show gratitude. This can easily happen when we buy into unhelpful thoughts such as: If I didn’t experience this illness, I would be happier. I could’ve been more successful, if it weren’t for anxiety. I should’ve been more competent, so I could enjoy my job better. My depression got in the way of my relationships. These types of thoughts can only pull us down into a self-rejection trap causing more anxiety, depression, hopelessness, regret and despair. “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” – Epictetus It has been said that we need to focus on the donut and not the hole in the middle because what matters most is the delicious stuff around it. Are you able to see what you possess despite the missing piece?  Some of us may say, “I got a donut without a ho...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: General Happiness Self-Help Coping Skills grateful Gratitude hope Inspiration Source Type: blogs