“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” – Willie Nelson
Today’s post is from a reader whose words truly sum up the power of appreciation when times are tough:
“Being grateful brings about so many wonderful moments, most unexpected for sure. I’ve always tried to instill in my children (now 28 and 24) that in every situation or outcome that we are sad, upset, or disappointed about, just take a moment and try to see the glass half full instead of half empty. Start thinking of the positive in the negative and see how quickly your thoughts will change for the better. It’s not always easy to do but it sure does work.
“Last December, my husband was part of a company restructure and was let go of his position of 30 years – talk about rocking our world! I was scared, angry, terrified, sad, actually felt just about every emotion one could. One day it dawned on me that I wasn’t following my own advice that I had preached to my family for so many years. Well, that day everything changed. Every morning after that the first words out of my mouth are praising God for the good and the bad and asking that he help me to see his plan for us. Then I starting naming all the things I/we have to be grateful for.
“The outcomes that are happening have been eye-opening. My husband is still on the job hunt. but many doors are now opening and I know he will be back to work soon. Our relationship has grown so much deeper and richer and I feel so extremely blessed for this time of growth for our family. We’ve been married for 32 years and you may think you know all there is to know about your partner but I can tell you there is something to always learn about one another. Lol! We are at a point now that there is excitement about our future and where the road will take us. WOW just putting these feelings down to paper brings tears to my eyes, I’m so grateful for this moment.”
Yep, gratitude works! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story!