What you focus on expands. When you spend time focusing on what you are grateful for those qualities, gifts, and characteristics grow.
Conversely, when you spend time thinking about what you do not have that only serves to expand that sense of lack.
Practicing gratitude fundamentally shifts attention and focus onto the positives in our world. Living with IBD can cast a shadow over this habit and some days just are not as good as others.
But what would happen if you spent time being just a little grateful for those tough days? Sounds like a weird idea but it works.
What if we only had good or great days? It is a seemingly odd idea that could fundamentally change your life for the better…it’s at least worth trying for today
I completely understand that some “good days” may not be considered the best but if you are grateful for simply being alive then a “good day” – even if that is spent struggling through IBD symptoms – can be a gift in its own way.
And then the days that are truly “great days” become even more special!
- When you are grateful to not be in the hospital…
- When you are grateful to be in the hospital and receiving care…
- When you are grateful to have medicines that can help you feel better…
- When you are grateful for caring nurses, friends, doctors, and family…
- When you are grateful for your problems, challenges, and obligations…
- When you are grateful for simply breathing…
Suddenly your entire world seems better.
Try this:
Think about 1 perceived “problem” you’re currently facing. Just for today, what would happen if you tried feeling grateful for that problem?
