Gratitude
We
often focus on our cup being "half empty" rather than "half
full". When you are in a place of gratitude you are more than
likely to have more good things come your way. Gratitude can be pushed aside in
times of personal peace and when things are going well. We forget to be thankful for the little
things. In hard times we become thankful
for the basics - health, being alive or the sun shining. A Zen Buddhist said "be thankful for all
things, good and bad" and that is extremely hard to do. Who can be thankful for an evil co-worker, a
friend, or a family member who has
wronged us? Once we start thinking about
all the things we should be grateful for, others will come to mind. I recently
experienced a fall that resulted on a broken ankle which led to surgery
and endless weeks of recuperation. This
incident was not part of my plan and gratitude was the farthest from my
mind. Why me? Why did I have to experience this life
altering experience? What it gave me was the reassurance of those
close to me who cared, who provided me with flowers to brighten my days, with
cards with messages of encouragement, with delicious prepared meals. It helped me develop patience and empathy. It also gave me the reassurance of my
husband's love and his commitment to "in sickness and in health" as
he spent twelve weeks taking care of my everyday needs including many times
when depression seemed too much to bear.
It also gave me the opportunity to write as I became removed from
everyday responsibilities. Am I glad
that I broke my ankle? Of course not.
But I am truly thankful for the lessons learned and the realization that
I will never take little things for granted, such as taking a warm shower
whenever I want to!
Meditation: Make a list of all the things you have in
your life that you are happy and thankful for even down to little things like
being able to afford to feed your family. Make the list as long as possible. The longer the list the more blessings you
will add to your life.
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