avatarMatt Legg

Summary

The author describes an unexpected feeling of profound gratitude and happiness upon waking, leading to a realization about self-worth and the importance of gratitude despite life's inherent inequalities.

Abstract

The author begins with an account of waking up with an intense sense of gratitude and happiness, unlike anything they've felt before. This experience prompts a deeper understanding of their own struggles with self-worth and the belief that they don't deserve good things in life. The author reflects on the idea that their previous mindset of not feeling deserving due to others' suffering was misguided and had led to sadness and isolation. They conclude that gratitude is key to overcoming guilt and enjoying life, acknowledging the role of luck and circumstance in their own fortunate position. The author emphasizes that gratitude can transform one's perspective, motivate action, and allow for a more fulfilling life. They also mention their personal goals and invite readers to explore their other works and an Ebook they've written on building self-esteem.

Opinions

  • The author believes that gratitude can significantly impact one's mental health and overall outlook on life.
  • They express a personal breakthrough in understanding that feeling grateful is not just an intellectual exercise but an emotional experience.
  • The author suggests that it is okay to acknowledge and be grateful for one's fortunate circumstances without feeling guilty about the hardships of others.
  • They argue that self-imposed suffering does not alleviate the suffering of others and that accepting good things in life does not diminish one's empathy or social conscience.
  • The author posits that recognizing and appreciating the good in one's life can lead to a reduction in feelings of inferiority and self-hatred.
  • They advocate for the power of gratitude to provide a new perspective, encourage contentment, and inspire future aspirations.

A Sense Of Peace And Happiness I’ve Never Felt

Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

I woke up this morning feeling extremely grateful. For what I’m not sure, but when I woke up I felt peaceful and happy, I was alive and had the chance to live another day.

I try to be grateful and have gratitude for things in my life, but never like this. Before I would think about all I had and the opportunities available and would remind myself how fortunate I am.

Today was different, I didn’t think I was grateful I felt it. I don’t know how to describe it other than it felt like a warm sensation in my chest, my fears and anxiety disappeared and I can say I was truly happy, if only for a few minutes.

These few moments of bliss led me to a deeper realization.

I have always had trouble accepting good things in my life. I have a deep-seated feeling of being inferior to others. I think I don’t deserve nice things because I’m not good enough. This level of self-hatred has been discussed in other articles I’ve written, but today I had a breakthrough.

I felt like I don’t deserve nice things because other people don’t have them. Why should I live a good life while others suffer? This way of thinking, which I thought was noble, has left me sad and alone.

The way to fix this problem is gratitude. It’s not fair that I was born in America to a good family that loved me and gave me a chance at life while other people struggle to survive. However, those things are out of my control.

That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t care about others, but making my life worse won’t make their lives better.

I was extremely lucky and fortunate to be born where I was, when I was, and to have the life I’ve had. It hasn’t been a perfect life, but it’s better than many people on earth. By understanding how fortunate I am and being grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have I will feel less guilt.

Gratitude is a powerful thing, it can give us a new perspective or motivate us to do more.

Being aware of what we have and understanding we are lucky to be where allows us to enjoy life more. Humans are creatures of habit, when we see and experience the same things we take them for granted.

Gratitude allows us to be aware of all the good that is in our lives and be grateful for what we have.

I still have dreams and goals, I have more I want to do in life. However, having gratitude and perspective allows us to enjoy our current lives and look to the future with hope and excitement.

Thanks for reading, I wrote an Ebook, click the link for a free sample

Or click one of these links for other stories I wrote on medium

Life
Life Lessons
Self Improvement
Happiness
Inspiration
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