Be Better
Improve Your Life by Learning to Have More Gratitude
Three things you can do to increase your attitude of gratitude today
When you want to build or fix something, you have to have the right tools. Without them, the job may never get done.
Though the implements may look different, everything in life follows a similar format.
The tools used for improving mental health are not always as easy to recognize as a hammer or wrench might be. Yet, there are simple actions that can help. Gratitude is an essential and powerful ally that must be in your toolbox.
If you are coping with a chronic or mental illness, cultivating this trait is vital.
Even when your physical strength fails you, your mental power can be strengthened by changing your mindset. Choosing gratitude helps you to make this shift.
Here are three ways you can do it.
1. Choose gratitude
“When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” — Gilbert K. Chesterton
Gratitude is a choice. It’s a conscious decision to look for and appreciate the good around you.
Living with a chronic illness robs you of many things. Time with family and friends becomes limited or less enjoyable. Anxiety and depression keep you cowering alone in your bedroom. Constant pain quickly dampens any internal fire you may build and destroys all motivation.
Even so, those grim days can be improved. Gratitude can help you find the light and remove some of the darkness.
He didn’t give in
Tuesdays With Morrie, by Mitch Albom, should be required reading for anyone with a chronic illness. The book offers perspective and gives an excellent example of how you can deal with life’s difficulties with a grateful attitude.
The true story recounts the final years of Professor Morrie Schwartz’s life and is narrated by the weekly visits from a former student.
Professor Schwartz was diagnosed with ALS, but never let his terminal prognosis kill his optimistic spirit.
Throughout the book, Morrie manages to find continued solace in the simple fact that he could still wipe his own behind. When that ability was taken from him, he found himself grateful to have a caregiver that could do it for him.
ALS is an especially awful disease. I lost both my grandmother and aunt to it. As it progresses, it takes every vestige of hope and dignity from its victim.
Despite everything that ALS took from him, Morrie chose each day to find a reason to be grateful.
There are reasons to be thankful all around you. Look for them, and choose gratitude.
2. Begin with the little things
“Sometimes we should express our gratitude for the small and simple things like the scent of the rain, the taste of your favorite food, or the sound of a loved one’s voice.” — Joseph B. Wirthlin
Granted, on the really bad days, finding gratitude is nearly impossible. Nearly, but not entirely.
If you find yourself in a string of terrible days, it might be best to start small.
Take a moment right now to think about something from today that you like. Is the sun shining or is it gently raining? Do you have a special dessert set aside for after dinner? Are you cuddled up with your favorite pillow or in your comfy chair?
Each item might be relatively small but is a reason to be grateful.
Personally, I thank God every day for my simple home, my comfortable recliner, and the micro-plush sheets that keep me warm and snug even on the coldest nights.
What’s in your line of sight right now that you can be thankful for? Is it the phone or computer you’re reading this on? Is it a warm blanket wrapped around you? Do you have a loved one sitting with you?
Every person, place, or thing is a reason to rejoice. Be thankful for them as your first step to accessing the power of gratitude.
3. Appreciate the good from the past
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” — Melody Beattie
Yesterday can have a lot of power over today. Tragedies and loss may take years to be less painful.
Several years ago, my best friend disappeared from my life due to a horrific car accident. For weeks and months after, finding reasons to express gratitude felt like a fruitless search.
I’m not going to lie, it took a considerable amount of time before I found my way back to positive again. Slowly, as I learned to come to terms with my new reality, I also discovered reasons to be grateful.
The absence of my friend is a void that’s with me all the time. Even so, I am incredibly thankful for the time that we had together. She taught me to be the best version of myself. Some of her lessons I am only now figuring out.
It’s okay if for today gratitude feels out of reach. Tomorrow may be better. Even if it’s only a tiny improvement, it will be a reason to express thanks.
Be grateful today
Are you ready to dust off your gratitude tool and put it to work? Remember, there are three ways you can succeed.
- Choose to be grateful
- Start small
- Appreciate the past
Just like using any tool, becoming an expert with gratitude will take time. Yet, it will be worth whatever effort you put into it.
Today, I am thankful to have you reading my story. What are you grateful for?
Until next time, keep fighting.
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