Find Your Reason to Be Grateful
No matter what’s happening around you there’s always something to be grateful about, even the smallest things can create that experience if you allow it. Finding something, anything, to be grateful about during a difficult experience will naturally cultivate hope if you continue to focus on the feeling of gratitude. I believe that gratitude and hope share the same space in the heart and mind, together they create a pathway to joy, peace and love. The quotes below take a deeper look at the benefits of gratitude and hope. When cultivated, gratitude and hope emit a power that can overcome the feeling of fear.
“Gratitude is one of the most medicinal emotions we can feel. It elevates our moods and fills us with joy.” Sara Avant Stover
“Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirit, and the voice of hope that says all things are possible.” Anonymous
“Hope and fear cannot occupy the same space. Invite one to stay.” Maya Angelou
Becoming grateful takes focus and a little practice. One way to begin, is to think about the things in your life that make you happy. You might already be experiencing gratitude even in the midst of sheltering in place…maybe you’re feeling grateful for:
- Being in good health.
- Having a safe, comfortable place to call home.
- The ability to sleep late and take naps.
- Being able to reconnect with your spouse, children, extended family and friends.
- Enjoying your favorite dessert.
- An easier commute to work or not having to commute at all.
- Receiving an economic impact payment from the federal government.
- Having food, toilet paper and other necessities in your home or knowing that you have access to these items when you need them.
- Eating your favorite take out meal.
- Having time to think about what you want to change in your life going forward.
Hopefully this quick list helps us remember some of the blessings we already have, allowing us to grow that feeling of gratitude. What makes you feel grateful?