It’s been a while since I wrote a gratitude post and what better day than a Thursday, the day I used to write my #everydaygratitude posts. It’s not that I haven’t been grateful. It’s just that I’ve not really got down to sitting to write one. Today’s Festival of Words prompts me to think that gratitude is the flower that blooms in adversity. I know it’s been so in my life.
“The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of them all.” – Mulan
Gratitude Is The Flower That Blooms In Adversity
The last year has been possibly the most difficult one of my life. At the risk of repeating myself I’ve been struggling with loss after loss. Believe me, it’s been hard to stay afloat. I’ve been down and depressed, I’ve cried so many tears, and I’ve hurt a lot. But through it all, I’ve managed to get through because of that one flower that blooms in adversity – gratitude.
Gratitude has seen me through tough times before and it’s seeing me through this phase of life too. I’m grateful for
- My parents and the values they taught me. The number of people who’ve told me about the difference they made in their lives is heartening.
- All the medical staff and caregivers who lovingly tended to my parents in their last days.
- Past experiences of pain that remind me of my own inner strength. So I start to dig deep into those resources again.
- My husband who has stood beside me like a rock, knowing when to be gentle and when to push me to act for myself.
- Friends – old and new, offline and online – who’ve reached out to me in love and understanding and comforted me just by being there.
- Painful experiences in which I’ve been let down and lied to by family and people I considered friends. Yes, they’ve taught me more about my values and what I stand for.
- All the material comforts I enjoy and sometimes take for granted.
- My faith that the Universe is taking care of me and those I love.
Have you experienced the power of gratitude?
Yes, I have felt the power of gratitude. I understand what you must be going through. I lost a parent too this year and it has been difficult.But life I suppose goes on.
I hear you! Life shows us many ups and downs but gratitude is important as we take many things for granted at times. I lost both my parents a few years back and I know how difficult it is. A big hug to you, Corinne.
Sometimes we are inundated with challenges and lows in life. ‘Good time’ appears illusive but most of the times its just round the corner. Hugs to you Corinne.
As you said, the pain gives us an insight into our strength. Appreciate your positivity to look at the silver lining of the dark clouds Corinne. A lot learn from here.