Hey ya’ll! I know that we all have those days when life feels less like a day at the beach and more like being on a stormy sea, don’t we? But remember, even in the midst of the storm , we can find glimmers of sunshine. Let me share with you some little secrets that I’ve discovered on my own rainy days that helped me find my way out of the turbulence and into quieter waters.

When life gets tough, it’s incredibly easy to dwell solely on the negative and forget about the many blessings we have, and I am guilty of this myself on occasion. What these times have taught me is to be vigilant about seeking out the good, to be appreciative even in times of trouble, to be empathetic, and to extend the same grace that I hope to get from others. Practicing gratitude is what has helped me to shift my perspective and cultivate a more positive outlook when everything seems to be falling apart.

I’m typically a person who prides myself on doing pretty good at staying up to date on the news and the the world around me; however, over the last few weeks, it has been difficult to find a balance between wanting to be informed and needing a break from the news cycle that has a really heavy energy right now. From the news in Palestine, Covid cases on the rise again, mass shootings, racial upheaval, the bridge collapse, and the turbulence in my own life; it can be difficult to balance the need to be informed and the need to take a break for my own mental wellbeing. This is what led me to think about actively seeking the good and some practical ways to have gratitude during difficult times.

Understanding Gratitude and it’s Importance..

Let’s start with what is gratitude exactly. It’s more than just a buzzword in the self-help space and more than just writing a list of items that you’re grateful for. Gratitude is truly taking the time to access where you are from a place of appreciation because you recognize the wonderful opportunities that you’ve been awarded by grace thus far, that the outcome could’ve possibly been much worse, and if it is the worst, then the worst has happened and it can only get better from here. Remember, there is always something to be thankful for.

Gratitude can be defined as the quality of being thankful and the readiness to show appreciation for and return kindness. It is an attitude that can be cultivated and practiced (and trust me it is a practice) even during the most difficult times. Gratitude is so powerful because it helps us all to recognize the abundance that we truly do have; thereby creating an overflow of what we’re appreciating in the process.

The practice of gratitude is also an important part of mental health, self-care, and general well-being. It helps us to appreciate the small moments of joy that can be found in the minutia of everyday life. All it takes is us getting intentional in looking for them. By taking the time to recognize and appreciate the good things in our lives, we can cultivate a sense of contentment and peace in the midst of storms and heartache.

How to Recognize the Good in Difficult Times

Recognizing the good in these moments is essential for fostering gratitude and maintaining a positive outlook. One way to do this is to shift our focus from what we have lost to what we still have. Whether it be our health, loved ones, or a roof over our heads, it is important to acknowledge the blessings that remain in our lives. Another way is to look for the silver lining in every situation. Even the toughest challenges can teach us valuable lessons or lead us down a path we may not have otherwise taken. By recognizing the good in difficult times, we can cultivate gratitude and ultimately find happiness and peace.

Ok, so the most important question is “How do we do this?”

I’m glad you asked. Here are just a few ways we can shift our perspective and begin to recognize the bounty all around us.

#1 Creating a Gratitude Journal

Don’t make that face. I know this one is on everyone’s list, and that’s because it works.

One of the best and most scientifically proven ways to practice gratitude is by keeping a gratitude journal. If you are like I was, and you let out a good eye roll at that statement recalling the number of times you’ve gotten an empty notebook super excited to journal and do the self-improvement thing, only to have the notebook sitting there collecting dust within a week or two. I get it, I’ve been there. I would suggest starting small.

What worked for me was the “Oprah” method of simply jotting down three things I am grateful for in my life at the moment right when I start my morning routine. Don’t think too hard, the items you list don’t have to always be something grandiose. It can be something as simple as 1. a home-brewed cup of vanilla-flavored coffee, 2. the way the sunrise looks from my backyard, and 3. the new devotional book that my client gifted me.

Writing down the things that we are thankful for can help us to recognize the good in our lives, and to appreciate even the smallest moments of joy. It can also help us to stay focused on the positive, even when times are tough.

You know how once you buy a new car, all of a sudden start seeing that vehicle everywhere? It seems like overnight, that your car is the only car you see on the road. Instantly! What’s happening is that you are simply noticing the same amount of cars that have been there the entire time. All it took was a small shift in your focus. Because you are used to looking at your vehicle now, you spot it everywhere. The same thing goes for gratitude. Once you gain an attitude of gratitude by listing your three things every morning, you will start to see more things to be grateful for and then the act of listing three things simply won’t seem like enough.

#2 Using Gratitude Quotes to Inspire

Another great tip for staying in a space of gratitude is to keep a list of gratitude quotes to help inspire you and serve as an attitude “pick-me-up” during the times you need it the most. I have a small black notebook that was gifted to me that I use to keep my gratitude and inspirational quotes in.

When I’m reading a book or listening to an inspiring podcast I make sure to have this notebook nearby to jot down “jewels” as I get them. Then when I need a little oxygen on my fire, I can pull out this notebook and read something I’ve written down to help get me back in the right perspective.

Here are a few quotes that have helped me when I was running low on gratitude:

1. “Gratitude is an attitude that hooks us up to our source of supply. And the more grateful you are, the closer you become to your maker, to the architect of the universe, to the spiritual core of your being.” – Bob Proctor.

2. “Whatever you are grateful for multiplies. By being grateful for what you have, you end up getting more.” – Rhonda Byrne.

3. “As you practice gratitude, you will attract more thoughts and feelings of gratitude. In one sense, you can think of gratitude as a shortcut to manifesting.” – Joe Vitale.

4. “The more grateful you are, the more present you become. The more joy you bring into your being, you’re bringing in so much presence and abundance.” – Robert Holden.

5. “What we focus on, we attract. By focusing on the goodness and abundance in our lives, we attract more of the same.” – Esther Hicks.

6. “When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” – Tony Robbins.

7. “Manifestation is very simple. You create what you feel. So, cultivate a spirit of gratitude and the universe will bring more reasons for you to feel grateful.” – Wayne Dyer.

8. “Gratitude can be an entry point into higher states of consciousness and can accelerate the attraction process.” – Lisa Nichols.

9. “The more grateful I am, the more beauty I see. What you think about and thank about, you bring about.” – Mary Morrissey.

10. “Gratitude opens the door to the Power, the Creativity, and the Wisdom of the Universe.” – Deepak Chopra.

#3 Hear, See, Speak no Negativity

If you are finding it hard to find the good around you, then it’s super important to be mindful of what you feed your inner self. Our subconscious is very impressionable and can’t tell the difference between the good and the bad. It just knows to amplify what we concentrate on and what we “feed” it the most. Meaning if we are bombarding it with negative voices and images it will create that reality, and if we nurture it with positive speech and images, it will create that also.

What I’ve done when I feel this way is to take a “No Negative News” break. The word “news” in this instance is anything that can be watched, listened to, spoken, and absorbed. For example, I’ll take a week where I do a sort of fast. I will take a break from watching the news when it gets too negative, from people who are down in the dumps, from literature that is “too heavy,” and I’ll take a break from sugary sweets and red meat. I’ll replace them with feel-good news, a good self-help book or feel-good read, friends, and family that lift my spirits, happy movies, and music, I’ll eat clean, and make sure I’m only speaking positive affirmations over myself and my life.

I don’t keep this up for the long haul although I’m sure that I should. Now, I love a good horror movie, gossip session, and Baskin Robbin’s binge like the next person, but you’ll be amazed at just how well and how quickly my little no-negativity fast works. I suggest you try it the next time things don’t seem to be going your way.

#4 Clean up that Social Media Feed

Speaking of my no-negativity fast; another way to monitor what we absorb is to curate our social media feeds so that we are only following creators, businesses, and news outlets that lift our moods and make us feel good about ourselves and the world around us. I’m not saying that we can’t follow news outlets on social media, it’s important to be informed; however, I would suggest picking maybe one or two, simply unfollowing for the duration of your fast, or even choosing to read the news rather than watch. This way you are in control over deciding when you can handle absorbing the news rather than having it force-fed to you by way of social media channels.

I’m sure you will agree that the information we encounter in our digital world has a dramatic impact on our mental and emotional states. So, curating our social media feeds to ensure that they radiate positivity becomes critically important. By meticulously cherry-picking the content we consume, we can transform our social media experience into a daily booster of positive energy.

#5 Amp up the Self-Care and Self-Compassion

In moments of overwhelm, it’s crucial to remember that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a necessity. Embracing the concept of self-compassion, I encourage taking moments for oneself – whether that means savoring the pages of a captivating novel, indulging in a soothing bubble bath, or immersing in the tranquility of nature during a walk.

Acknowledge that it’s okay to face challenges and that seeking solace in simple pleasures is a form of strength. Be gentle with yourself, allowing room for self-kindness and understanding, especially when the weight of the world feels heavy.

#6 Change Your Inner Lens

In times of adversity, it’s helped me to try to reframe challenges as stepping stones for personal growth and development. When confronted with tough times, it’s natural to feel disheartened and overwhelmed, we all do. However, by shifting our perspective, we can view these trials as opportunities for self-discovery and empowerment. This isn’t to say that we shouldn’t allow ourselves to feel all the feelings of the disappointment, sadness, or anger because we absolutely should, it’s healthy. Nonetheless, we should visit these places of hurt and sadness and then pick up our tent, we shouldn’t get comfortable and allow these places to be our final destinations.

Embracing the notion that every obstacle carries valuable lessons, we can inquire into the teachings hidden within our current circumstances. How can we leverage this experience to emerge as a more resilient, fortified individual? By cultivating this mindset, we can transform setbacks into catalysts for personal evolution and strength, nurturing a spirit of optimism and perseverance amidst life’s challenges.

#7 Expressing Gratitude to Those Around You

Even in the whirl of difficult times, taking a moment to express gratitude can light up the darker corners of our lives with warmth. To the ones who stand by us, lending their strength when ours falters, we should always remember to give a heartfelt thank you. They are the unsung melodies in the symphony of our lives, the steady lighthouses guiding us through stormy waters.

By simply being there — through a message, a sharing of laughter, a silent understanding — we should be grateful if we have people in our lives that remind us of the richness that connection brings into our lives. Gratefulness is all about acknowledging the good; so it’s also about recognizing the silver lining others help us to notice in our days, fostering a cycle of kindness that uplifts one of us thereby uplifting us all. Together, we’re more resilient, more compassionate, and undisputedly empowered. Make sure you take the time to thank the people around you for being a part of your support system.

Showing appreciation is something that can be woven into our daily routines in the simplest of ways, yet leave a lasting impact. Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Send a handwritten note: There’s something incredibly personal and touching about receiving a handwritten note. It could be a thank you card or just a little note to say you’re thinking of them. The effort and thought put into it truly stand out in today’s digital age.
• Give the gift of time: Sometimes, the most precious gift we can offer is our time. Whether it’s setting aside an afternoon for a catch-up, offering to help with a task, or simply being there to listen, showing someone you’re willing to invest your time in them is a powerful act of appreciation.
• Share a memory or compliment sincerely: Bringing up a fond memory you shared or offering a sincere compliment can brighten someone’s day and make them feel valued. It’s a way of saying, “I see you, I appreciate you, and you matter to me.”
• Small acts of kindness: Often, it’s the little things that count. Making them a cup of coffee in the morning, sending a cheerful text, or sharing a playlist or book you think they’d love — these small gestures can be deeply meaningful.
• Support their dreams: Taking an interest in their goals and dreams, encouraging them, and celebrating their successes shows that you believe in them and their potential. It can be incredibly empowering, especially during times of self-doubt.

Incorporating these actions into our lives not only strengthens our connections with others but also creates a culture of kindness and appreciation that uplifts everyone involved. Remember, it’s not always about grand gestures; often, it’s the small, consistent acts of kindness and appreciation that leave the deepest impressions. And the way to get what you want is to first give that thing that you’d like to receive; the same is true for appreciation and random acts of kindness.

#8 Practicing Mindfulness

Taking a few moments to appreciate the beauty of nature or to savor a delicious meal can be a great way to practice gratitude. Practicing mindfulness is like opening a window to a world brimming with beauty, often missed in our rush through life. It gently nudges us to slow down, breathe, and truly see the wonder in the world around us — from the warmth of sunlight on our faces to the comforting sound of rain tapping against the window.

In life’s tough times, these moments, though small, become beacons of hope and joy. They remind us that, even when things seem difficult, there’s beauty and goodness to be found. This practice of mindfulness strengthens our gratitude muscle, making us more resilient, appreciative, and open to the simple yet profound joys that life offers, transforming our perspective and enriching our lives.

Having an “attitude of gratitude” is not just a cliche saying, but a powerful tool to navigate through difficult times. By incorporating simple practices such as journaling, meditation, self-care, showing gratitude for others, and shifting our perspective, we have the power to overcome challenging situations with more ease and grace. We may not always have control over external circumstances that come our way, but we do have control over how we react to them. And by choosing to focus on the good in our lives and expressing gratitude for it, we are creating a positive ripple effect that can lead us out of even the darkest of days.

I challenge you to reflect on your own journey and think about what ways you keep yourself in the right mindset during difficult seasons. It could be something as simple as writing down three things you are grateful for each day or taking a few minutes to meditate and practice mindfulness. And don’t be afraid to try new things and see what works best for you! The most important thing is that you take action and cultivate an attitude of gratitude in your life.

If this blog post resonated with you, make sure to follow it for more tips on personal growth and mindset shifts. Let’s continue this conversation and support each other in finding joy and gratitude even during tough times. Remember, it is often through adversity that we discover our strength and resilience, I know it’ definitely been that way for me. So let’s choose to be grateful for every experience that comes our way – because who knows where it may lead us? Thank you for reading!