19 Nov Finding Gratitude In Difficult Times

This blog post was written by Recovery Help Now’s, Cindy Nigro, MFTi.

During the season of “thanks,” when many are focusing on their blessings, it is tough if you are struggling through difficult times or a crisis. Whether it’s job loss, a health problem, a relational struggle or another source of stress, you may find genuine gratitude tough to exude when your thoughts are focused on the situation at hand.

There are many reasons that you may struggle with feeling truly grateful during the holidays, but gratitude, despite life circumstances, is important to our emotional and physical health.  But just how can you practice gratitude when a dark cloud is looming? Challenge yourself today to adopt these tips as a good first step:

Acknowledge the stress: Instead of denying or trying to ignore the issue at hand, discuss the highs and lows of life with your therapist, close friends or family.

Focus on what you do have: Once you acknowledge the ups and downs of life, be deliberate in your daily focus on the positive.

Help others: Everyone struggles at times, and while you may feel as though you are going through a really difficult time, serving others in need can help shift your perspective.

Look to the world: If you still struggle with thankfulness, focusing on your position and life circumstances in contrast to many other parts of the world can also help shift your perspective.