What do you feel grateful for in life?
THE American holiday of thanksgiving is a great reminder of gratitude.
It dates back to to November, 1621, when the newly arrived pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians gathered together at Plymouth for an autumn harvest celebration.
Annually, it is a time to pause and give thanks for all the wonderful things in our life.
Many people I know seem to have a lot going on at the moment. Operations, health problems, loved ones with health problems, teenagers struggling with various life challenges, addiction, break-ups, financial pressures and the usual end of year pressures that arise to name a few. Christmas is an amplifier. The good times feel better and our wounds, whatever they are seem to hurt more.
At times life can be tough. Nobody is immune to these hardships. Wealth doesn’t protect you. Friends and family can make it easier but no one is immune to the ups and downs of the rollercoaster of life. We cannot control what happens but we can control our response to it. Ultimately, bitter better or broken are the three choices. When life is tough it can be hard to remain positive. Focussing on gratitude is always good but it really helps shift gears emotionally in those times.
Gratitude lifts us to a positive place. When you are grateful, you cannot be angry or afraid. It is a powerful way to start and finish your day, helping you think more resourcefully and focus on what is important while lifting your spirit.
I FEEL GRATEFUL FOR...
Yesterday, I invited a few people to share their reflections about that they were grateful for.
‘I am grateful for one particular carer that is so kind to my father. She really pampers him as if he is at a spa. She goes the extra mile. I am also grateful that he gave a smile which doesn’t happen too often. I am so grateful for my good health’.
‘When I hear of life’s hardships visiting others or myself, I am reminded that given that so many things can go wrong in life – it is amazing that so many of them go right much of the time. I am grateful that my family work together when we have problems. I am grateful for the support of kind friends when I need them’.
Another reported they are ‘very grateful for the work of health care professionals who have been there when they were most needed, particularly for the skill and determination of the surgeons in their work to deliver the best possible outcomes. I have experienced so much care and support from all the hospital staff I have met. I am also so grateful for the support and love of friends and family. It is often not until our own health, or the health of those who are close to us is threatened that we realise what is really most important in life.’
Sometimes our desire to please and, or to be and make everything perfect all the time can really add to unhealthy stress. Practicing gratitude helps shift gears positively when overburdened by the difficulties of life. It restores a positive frame of mind and a warm feeling in the heart which makes life more enjoyable, aids with focus and helps us be more productive. Practising it regularly maintains a positive mindset which makes life easier and more joyful and productive.
What are you grateful for in this moment? Instead of looking at what is going wrong, why not take a moment to look at all the things that are going right? Calodagh McCumiskey designs and delivers bespoke wellbeing at work programmes to grow people and companies. She also offers regular meditation classes, personal development workshops and wellbeing consultations to help people thrive
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