The ebb and flow of daily living can really take a toll. I know I have moments when I’m not seeing the bright side of things, and am distracted from what’s really important in life.
I’m sure many others are in the same boat. It can be hard to rejoice in all we have without considering what we lack.
Are you ready to get out of the boat? If you’re sick and tired and feeling sick and tired, and ready to start feeling encouraged, uplifted, and hopeful about what life has to offer, regardless of set-backs, frustrations, and complications there’s no better time than now.
Life is not always perfect. In fact, the roller coaster of life is what provides courage in the midst of fear, and moments of joy through times of despair.
No matter what’s taking place in your life, it’s time to give thanks, experience gratitude, and prepare for the abundance of love and joy that is awaiting you on the other side of this mental shift. So, how can this be done?
Accept More and Expect Less
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” – Reinhold Niebuhr
There are going to be things out of our control, and learning how to accept what is, offers a wonderful anecdote to a heavy heart. It helps provide a greater sense of control and provides relief when feeling stuck in a rut. Acceptance isn’t the same as being passive. If change can be made then do it, but if not, learn to cope and conquer by accepting what is. The point is to accept the change in plans and begin to move forward. It offers a chance to control how you feel and provides relief from an overly emotional reaction.
There is no emotional wallowing, no blaming, and no overwhelming distress that things aren’t going as they “should” or “ought to”. It’s about knowing we can deal with whatever comes our way no matter how much we don’t like it. Tell yourself, “This may be tough, and I really don’t like it, but I know I can get through it. I have a lot going for me, and there’s no reason I can’t handle this.” Remind yourself of all that you have.
Stay Humble
No matter your position in life, humility is the foundation of excellence, and it makes gratitude much more easily attainable. Humility provides a chance to take a back seat in order to help others and can provide a much needed perspective change. Life is a gift and humility provides the means to do well in the world, while offering a genuine outlet to recognize how fortunate and miraculous our lives are.
To me, humility does not mean complaisance, but means staying resilient and recognizing value when things don’t go as we hoped. No matter where we believe we should be or what we deserve, we can always provide value and improve the quality and experience of everyone around us. Nothing tangible we have is everlasting, and we may not have it tomorrow. Learning to appreciate what we have now makes it that much more valuable when we reach the next level.
What’s the Meaning?
“He who has a why to live can bear with almost any how.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
Always ask yourself, “What meaning can I find in this situation?” In his well known book Man’s Search for Meaning, psychiatrists and holocaust survivor Vickor Frankl recounts his experience of finding meaning in the most bleak and dire of circumstances. Through slave labor and Nazi experimentation he was still able to envision himself giving lectures to students, and using his experience for good and to positively impact others.
By asking ourselves, “what’s does this mean, and what can this teach me,” we can stay mindful and focus on a greater purpose. By focusing on our purpose in the midst of set-backs we remain strong and passionate, and can remain resilient in achieving our goals.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness may be one of the healthiest and most stabilizing emotions to improve well-being and gratitude. Nelson Mandela is a great example of living the grateful grind. A political prisoner on Robbin Island for nearly 30 years, and forced to work in the blistering heat in a rock quarry, he was able to maintain a focus on his ideals and vision for a better and more unified South Africa.
Once released, he was able to approach life with a forgiving mentality. He had a greater future planned and knew that bitterness and resentment wouldn’t get him anywhere. He was able to forgive those who had stripped him of freedom in order to provide a greater life for others. What bitterness or anger are you holding on to? Who can you forgive today to make your life better and free you to move forward?
Be Grateful for what’s to come
Be grateful that all your dreams are coming to fruition and keep faith that great things are coming. Sometimes faith is all we have. Develop and cultivate an image of greatness that can be applied to your daily life. Do everything in a great way in order to build a character of greatness.
Do what you can now, in the position you have now, to begin growing and expanding. Start seeing the glass half-full in order to muster the motivation and fortitude to push past your current dilemma. Eventually, if you stay on course, you will be greater and more blessed than you could ever imagine. The right people and circumstances will come along, and the pieces will fall into place.
Don’t give up. You will reach your potential and fulfill your dreams if you remain grateful through the difficult times and faithful to the end.
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30 Days to Live: How will it change you? What’s your Gratitude Cycle?: Here’s how to be more grateful What Shade are your Lenses? How to Experience a Paradigm Shift
