Tue 27 May 2008
Developing An Attitude of Gratitude
Posted by Rita under Life Management
Life brings a certain amount of testing and trials to everyone. I think it’s important to acknowledge the pain and/or grief. We are, after all, human. But it’s as equally important when going through such trials and tribulations, to remember, and to be grateful, for all that IS well in our lives. Otherwise, we can become lost, we may lose our balance, and find ourselves drowning in a sea of negativity, and depression.Today, I was given the opportunity to practice what I preach when my husband discovered this morning that he had lost his wallet, and all of it’s contents, somewhere yesterday. He had been saving money and stashing in his wallet for a cruise that we are planning for August. He had over 500 dollars in that wallet. He lost his credit cards, his driver’s license, his insurance cards, and his Social Security number. Naturally, we took the necessary precautions to cancel his credit cards, but he still suffered quite a loss, and not to fail to mention, someone now has important information regarding his identity. He was so very upset, and understandably so. Still, it’s not the end of the world.
I tried to console my husband by telling him that 500 dollars will never make or break anyone. We have to time to recoup from the loss, and we can be thankful that we were able to cancel his credit cards before someone went on a shopping spree. Too, everything else in the wallet can be replaced. This is not to say that he had no reason to be upset, but agonizing continually over it does not change what happened. So, you accept the loss, find the lessons in it, find reasons to be thankful still, and chart a new course.
The older generation understood the simple, but power remedy, in “counting your blessings.” It still works today. No matter what we are experiencing, or walking through, it always could be worse. Someone else is suffering far more. In the times of adversity, more than at any other time, it’s crucial to begin and end each day with an attitude of gratitude.
Take inventory of all that you DO have. Start out small if you have to, but START. Making this a daily practice will not only cause a shift in attitude, but in your life as well.
Remember…You are ALREADY blessed!
Abundantly Yours,
HomeSpun Granny
Stumble It!
May 27th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Granny, you are so right! When I was in my darkest depression, I started taking what I called “prayer walks.” I didn’t come up with the idea, but they were so beneficial to me. I’d start out down in the dumps, but I’d make myself walk for at least 20 minutes, which in and of itself was helpful for the depression, but I made a rule that I had to say to myself what I was thankful for every step of the way. I’d start out feeling bluer than blue, but with each grateful step, and each reminder of what I was blessed with, I felt better and better. By the time I’d get back home, I’d almost be shouting, I’d feel so happy. I passed that idea on to my son to use when he was depressed. It’s amazing how insignificant the things we don’t have seem in the bright light of all that we do have. I enjoyed your story; I’m so sorry that the wallet is lost. But it truly wasn’t everything. You still have each other!
Deb