{"id":4755,"date":"2022-03-28T16:45:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-28T21:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cooking2thrive.com\/blog\/?p=4755"},"modified":"2022-09-01T09:23:25","modified_gmt":"2022-09-01T14:23:25","slug":"trouble-with-gratitude","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cooking2thrive.com\/blog\/trouble-with-gratitude\/","title":{"rendered":"Trouble With Gratitude"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

How can anyone possibly have trouble with gratitude? I appreciate knowing when someone is thankful for something I\u2019ve provided. And I want others to have that feeling as well. But last week when I was working on a project centering around gratitude, I found myself writing things like: Gratitude is a hard pill to swallow; and gratitude may be an attitude, but it\u2019s not mine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typing out whatever pops into my head can help me get past a writing obstacle. Once the word flow begins, I quickly delete whatever nonsense I\u2019ve been typing and forget about it. In this context, my seemingly bad attitude toward gratitude is a normal part of the process. What I wrote made me laugh and laughter is a catalyst for moving me forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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But like all things funny, this makes me laugh because some kernel of truth resonates. I am truly grateful for many things. I\u2019m grateful that I am resilient. I know how to gather myself up after a setback and try again. I know how to work past fear to meet a goal. I know how to temper my desire for immediate gratification. I understand the value of these skills and appreciate how they have helped me succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While all of this is true, gratitude can also feel like a catch-22. Usually, I feel this way on days when something has triggered the sting of early memories. Some of my best skills were honed in (because of) less than ideal circumstances. And some days, for a few moments, the feelings pull me away from gratitude. That\u2019s how I sometimes have a problem with gratitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m not proud of those moments, but I\u2019m sure I\u2019m not the only one who has them. And that is why practicing gratitude in a deliberate way is important for me. If I\u2019m not intentional, it\u2019s easier to lapse into old feelings rather than look at the good that surrounds me in any given moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It would be easy to say that if I did a proper job healing myself, that would not be the case. Anyone who believes that fails to understand the grasp long-term trauma can have on the subconscious. When damage has been done over a long period of years with no relief, the undoing can be nuanced, lengthy, and less than linear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no such thing as a proper path of healing for any of us. Life will throw unexpected obstacles in our way. Serendipitous meetings will bring unexpected support. The path will shift and we must shift with it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best I can do is live with open eyes, open heart, and intentional action. The rest is beyond my control. Sometimes, I will feel truly grateful. Sometimes, I will know I\u2019m grateful even when what I feel is sad. And that will have to be enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hopefully, it\u2019s enough for all of us who, at times, have trouble with gratitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gratitude Is My Best Defense<\/a><\/blockquote>