When life kicks you around, like a soccer ball in the World Cup, that's when you have to rely on your faith. If you're not, well...good luck with that. But if you're anything like me, your faith kicks into over drive.
Even though we're supposed to show gratitude everyday, what the most challenging thing for me to do is, be
grateful in the middle of the storm. I admit, I am guilty of slipping into victim mode at times when I have set backs. It is very easy and comforting to complain, whine and wallow in the bossom of misery. But the truth is, the pity party gets lame REAL quick. Even though it feels like I can't catch a break, if it was beach ball, I have to remain thankful of everything that I have been blessed with (and
will be blessed with).
I cannot focus on what went wrong, I have to choose to celebrate the joys. That is how I keep peace of mind. It's tough. But every trial is a lesson or a blessing. Sometimes the blessing IS the lesson! It is how we choose to handle our battles that makes all the difference.
So, I created my own acronym to remind myself why and how GRATITUDE will get me through the pits and valleys of life:
G- is for the
GOD whom has been and always will be my comforter, source of strength, supporter and my everything.
R-is for my
REAL friends who are there for me, through the good and the bad. I thank God for them.
A- is for my
ATTITUDE that I keep during my most difficult times. Because it's easy to have a good attitude during the great moments.
T- is for the
TRUTH I must tell my self when things are going real shitty. The Truth is, I could have done better but, I take full responsibility for my actions. The Truth is that I played a role in the cause of my circumstances. The Truth is, that my situation could be much worse than it is, etc...Being completely honest with myself is liberating.
I -is for the
INSTRUCTIONS that I must follow when I hear from God.
T - is for
TRUSTING in His word that everything will be alright and our trials are only temporary. I can get so caught up in the present pain, that I may forget that it will be greater later.
U- is for
UNDERSTANDING that what I give, I get back.
D - is for still
DOING "the work." The work of becoming a better me, while going through the storm. Life doesn't stop and neither should I.
E- is for my
EXPRESSION of gratitude. Journaling, praying, telling or showing a loved one how much I appreciate them. Give a stranger a compliment. Offering to buy someone a cup of coffee.
This is how I am learning to stay grateful...and feel free to use it too. :)
Peace and blessings,
