March 13, 2023
5 Ways to Feel Gratitude in Troubling Times
When times of trouble land on our doorstep it can make it very hard or even painful to see the many sources of gratitude that fill our space. The loss of a loved-one, disease in your body, large unexpected expenses, and unemployment can overwhelm us and shift our focus to the challenges. Being bombarded with societal troubles such as the economy, income inequality, climate change, or food scarcity can grab hold of and dominate our thoughts. However, you can still show gratitude despite challenging issues in your life.
If troubling times are hampering your ability to feel gratitude, consider the following actions:
1. Take a moment to purposely search for the positives. You may be going through a stressful or difficult time in your life, but you don’t have to let it stop you from seeing the many positive things.
○ What are some positive areas in your life that aren’t being affected by your current troubles? Do you still have your home and food to eat? Do you still have transportation and a job that provides for your family?
○ Taking just a moment to consider the positive aspects of your life, you’ll find areas that will allow you to feel the joy of gratitude.
2. Look around your environment and cherish the small details. It’s easy to lose sight of the small details if you’re overwhelmed by a difficult situation at home or at work. However, if you learn to treasure the details, you’ll welcome gratitude back into your life.
○ Are you happy with a new paint color at home? Are you proud of a small project at work? Did you finish a long book? These little details can make a big difference in your gratitude levels. Go ahead and pat yourself on the back for the small victories.
○ You can tap into the joy of gratitude when treasuring the little things by making a list of small things that you were once excited about. I know you see that paint bringing out the green in your throw pillows… you decorated that room! Call the photographers!
3. Search for humor. It’s important to add laughter to your day. Listen to a few moments of your favorite comedy podcast, read a comic book, or share jokes with friends. Add laughter to your routine (ba-dum-bump-chsh).
○ Laughter can help you notice the areas that need the focus of gratitude in your life. When your boss comes in on Monday afternoon and says you have to prepare a training session to deliver to the staff on Tuesday afternoon, just go ahead and laugh. Then whisper to yourself, “I’m so grateful to have this job” because that’s a situation that needs the joy of gratitude!
○ Humor can lighten a troubling day or ease a stressful situation and help you feel the joy that comes from gratitude.
4. Put your pain in perspective. Make it a point to avoid getting lost in the negative emotions of your challenges by looking at others to see if there is a way you can help ease their suffering.
○ If you can put your pain in perspective, you’ll discover that there are others who have even more challenges than you. If you’re worried about your house, job, or health, think about those who have even less. Get involved with a local community center. Volunteer to help serve others and watch your joy soar.
○ Perspective can help you understand that everyone faces difficult challenges. You’re not alone, and you can still feel grateful for other things in your life.
5. Understand the power of change. Change is a regular part of existence, but when you’re struggling, you might feel as if your life will never change.
○ Remind yourself that changes occur all the time, and change can lead to gratitude.
○ You can show your gratitude by recognizing that changes occur and can lead to better things. If you feel trapped and stagnant, keep in mind that a transformation is possible. Look only to the grain of mustard seed Jesus talked about that grows into the largest of all the plants. Things look pretty dismal when planted in the ground, and cut off from the sun. However, it is necessary for transformation to occur. It may take time, friends, effort, and perseverance, but you’ll get past your difficult situation.
Your ability to find gratitude doesn’t have to be limited when facing the troubles of life.Search for the positive areas even as you struggle in others. Remember that you’re not alone and that everything changes. Soon, you’ll find yourself feeling the gratitude that you seem to have lost.
How will you search for gratitude today?
I’d love to hear from you! Follow The Winning Room and leave a comment below.
~ Shereece
