It’s so easy to focus on the things we dislike about our lives and overlook all the good. However, when we take the time to remember everything, we can be grateful for, it can make us much happier. Balancing all the positive things against the unpleasant ones requires practice, but it’s definitely worth the effort, even during a crisis.
Over a lifetime, bad things will inevitably happen. From minor stresses to major disasters, it’s just part of life. Over the weekend, one of my granddaughters had a bad fall and broke her femur. While my daughter was very shaken up, she was also grateful that things weren’t worse. We were all thankful that good medical care could repair the injury and that this precious child could fully recover.
During daily life, we can look around us and take stock of all that we have rather than what’s missing. From our friends and possessions to our pets and special interests, we have much to appreciate. A bed to sleep on and running water are luxuries that not everyone enjoys.
Every day, I share a gratitude list of three things with one of my closest friends, and she reciprocates. By texting these three things, it keeps us mindful of being grateful instead of dwelling on what we lack. Just looking around the room I’m in and everything I see helps me recognize how blessed I am. Photos of loved ones, comfortable furniture, and a closet full of clothes are a few of the things that remind me of all my blessings.
It’s said that every misfortune has a silver lining. When we look for the good in all things (or at least wait patiently for the outcome), we can experience the miracle of feeling hopeful regardless of the circumstances. Then, we are free to release negativity and welcome the light of the spirit’s sunshine, where joy resides.
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Donna Marks is an educator, licensed psychotherapist, and addictions counselor in Palm Beach, Florida. She has worked with over 6,000 clients. Donna’s struggle with addiction brought her to a worldwide search for healing. She became licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in 1987. In 1989, she earned a Doctorate Degree in Adult Education, then became Certified in Addictions, Gestalt Therapy, Psychoanalysis, Hypnosis, and Sex Therapy. Donna developed an award-winning addiction training program at Palm Beach Community College. She co-owns an outpatient treatment program and serves as a consultant to treatment centers. For 36 years, she has taught A Course in Miracles.
Donna is the author of three books: the multi-award-winning title Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure, and Learn, Grow, Forgive: A Path to Spiritual Success, The Healing Moment: Seven Paths to Turn Messes into Miracles of Love, and her latest fiction, Fortis & Sapiente – A Tale of Two Lovers Who Successfully Navigate the Murky Waters of Love. Donna is a public speaker and has shared her methods with millions of listeners on podcasts and radio shows.
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