Do You Remember To Feel Gratitude In Challenging Times? Here are 5 Ways to remember...

Over the past 2 years, we have heard the term “These are unprecedented times” being used repeatedly. Yes, it is true that many of us may have gone through struggles and challenges, ranging from the loss of a job or business to the loss of a loved one.

These types of stressful events can generate feelings of anger, resentment, and deep sadness which makes it difficult for us to remember to feel and express gratitude. However, there are always many things to be grateful for, despite the many challenges that we may face as we go through life. My grandmother, who lived to be 100 years old, always told me that I should count my blessings.

You may be wondering why it is important to feel gratitude, especially during challenging times? Well, Robert Emmons, Ph.D., a Professor of Psychology and a leading scientific expert on gratitude, in his book “Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier”, wrote the following about a program of scientific research on gratitude, collaborating with Michael McCullough, a psychologist at the University of Miami:

“We discovered scientific proof that when people regularly engage in the systematic cultivation of gratitude, they experience a variety of measurable benefits: psychological, physical, and interpersonal.”

The bottom line, gratitude is good for your physical and mental wellbeing.

In 2020, when I was advised that my team was no longer needed, due to a reorganization at my workplace, my first reaction was “Oh dear what am I going to do”. After a few days of thinking about the situation, I realized that I had a lot to be grateful for and I decided that it was an opportunity for me to start a new career, which I did. I am not saying that it was easy to make the transition, however, staying in a mindset of gratitude sure helped.

Here are 5 things that you can do, to remind you that you still have a lot to be grateful for when challenging times arise:

Search for the positives. Although you may be going through a stressful or difficult period in your life, there are many positives that still exist in your life.
- What are the positive areas in your life that are not affected by your current challenges? Are you alive? There are many people who did not have the luxury of being alive for another day. Do you still have your home and health? Do you still have a job that provides for your family?
- What are the positives that may come out of the challenge that you are facing? In my case, it was the opportunity to start a new career.
Appreciate the little things that you may take for granted. It’s easy to lose sight of the little things in life if you’re overwhelmed by a difficult situation at home or at work.
- Are you proud of a small project that you completed at work? Did your partner cook you a lovely meal? Did you have a conversation with an old friend and received good caring advice? Did you take your pet for a long healthy walk? These simple things can make a big difference in your gratitude levels.
Add joy to your daily schedule. Watch a comedy, read a good book, or share a joke with a friend. Add laughter to your routine.
Put your pain into perspective. Make it a point to avoid getting lost in the negative emotions of your challenges by putting things into perspective.
- At some point in life, everyone has to face a difficult situation. You’re not alone, and it can always be worst especially when you look at the situations that others may be facing.
Understand the power of change. Change is part of our existence, but when you are struggling, you might feel as if the struggles will go on forever.
- Remember that the struggle will not last forever and change can lead to positives in life, for which you will be grateful. The struggles that you experience now will help you to grow and it will prepare you for other situations that may arise, that you will be able to handle effectively.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said:
“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.”

As you go through life, all the good experiences and the bad experiences contribute to your growth as a human being. So, despite all the struggles that may come your way, always remember to be grateful.

Believing in You!
Jackie