Cultivating Gratitude in the Face of Life’s Challenges
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”
Aesop
In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the blessings we have, especially when we’re dealing with personal struggles. A recent video of a young boy receiving a heart transplant moved me deeply, sparking a powerful reflection on my own journey. In that moment, I realized the importance of acknowledging our feelings, giving them a name, and drawing inspiration from the world around us to challenge negative thoughts. I may be in Recovery, but I am grateful to have a healthy heart, I told myself.
As someone rebuilding his life post-rehab, I’ve learned that every emotion I experience or another does, no matter how small, is valid. Yet, resilience is built through recognizing what we have—health, relationships, opportunities—and choosing to appreciate it daily. This boy’s joy reminded me that I am fortunate in many ways, for instance, my support teams from family and friends, to counsellors and fellow addicts and mental health champions, and that gratitude, even in hardship, fuels our ability to overcome.
Resources to Cultivate Gratitude and Resilience
Book: “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown
TED Talk: “The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown
Podcast: “The Gratitude Diaries” by Janice Kaplan
Transformative phraseology
By practicing positive daily affirmations, regular mindfulness, and transformative vocabulary, we can all adopt a mindset of abundance as opposed to victimhood and self-sabotage. I challenge you to reflect daily on three things you’re grateful for—no matter how challenging the day—and watch how your perspective shifts.
The Mwangaza Wa Sunday Way
We believe in a holistic approach to recovery, wellness, wellbeing, and good health, by providing not only addiction support, but also mental health management services. We push for positivity in our words and actions. Follow us on social media:
Call to Action
What are you grateful for today? Tell someone close to you, or let us know in the comments below!
