Perhaps one of the most talked about self-help topics is a person’s attitude. How does one see the world – glass half empty or half full? Do you wake up knowing you can tackle the world, or be tackled by the world?
In the aftermath of my daughter’s death, I heard the following words: “Look for the blessings – starting – right – now.”
WHAT?? What blessings?? Obviously, you have never lost a child! Those were my initial thoughts. However, I let the words settle, mulled them over and eventually, I quietly, softly, and humbly thanked God for all three of my three daughters. After losing a child, your remaining children become more precious (yes, it is possible). Hmmm a blessing?? I think so.
I am grateful that I will never again take my loved ones for granted.
After acknowledging the first blessing, I was encouraged to find more and I did – many more. Was it smooth sailing? No. Not even close. But I knew that even while navigating the waters of child loss – when my attitude was that of looking for blessings, my heart would fill with joy. When my attitude was that of despair, I quickly sunk into darkness. When I focused on precious memories and making more of them, I found blessings.
I keep a “Gratitude Journal.” Very few entries are tangible things; but it is full of things like:
“The wonderful, tight hug from my granddaughter, when she whispered in my ear, “I missed you so, so much.” “The smell of my newborn granddaughter.” “The tick-tock of my grandma’s cuckoo clock.” “The sound of my dad’s voice when he is reciting his prayers.” “The way I see my mom’s hands when I look at my own.” “My husband’s love for me.”
Zig Ziglar said, “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.”
Express your thanks and look for your blessings – starting – right – now.
