Embracing Gratitude: A Journey of Acceptance and Growth
Gratitude is often seen as a simple concept, yet its impact on our emotional and physical wellbeing is profound. Recently, we found ourselves reflecting on the transformative power of gratitude after an unexpected series of events. Following a family holiday filled with adventure, fun, and connection, we returned home only to be met with the beginnings of a migraine. For several days, we struggled with the physical discomfort, which caused us to miss recording a podcast episode we had promised to release. It felt like a failure, as we value commitment and consistency. However, in the process of grappling with our disappointment, we discovered a valuable lesson on gratitude and self-compassion.
As we sat with the discomfort of not meeting our own expectations, we recognised that the situation wasn’t as dire as it initially seemed. Sure, we had let ourselves down by not recording that episode, but in reality, no one else was affected. We realised that the pressure we placed on ourselves to always be perfect and meet every commitment was more of an internal struggle than a reflection of external reality. We began to practice self-acceptance, allowing ourselves to be human and recognising that life doesn't always go according to plan.
This period of reflection brought us to a deeper understanding of gratitude. Gratitude is not just about recognising what we have but also about accepting the moments of chaos and imperfection. It’s about recognising that life is fluid, and while we may not always be in control, we can choose to embrace what is. This shift in perspective allowed us to feel grateful for the lessons learned during our time of rest and recovery, even though it wasn’t how we had envisioned it.
In therapy, we often discuss different forms of gratitude. The first is the affective trait, where some people have an inherent positive outlook on life, constantly finding things to be grateful for, like the character Pollyanna from the classic film. Then there’s gratitude as an emotional state, where gratitude is something we feel in response to receiving something valuable. Lastly, there's gratitude as a practice, something we consciously cultivate by recognising the positive aspects of our lives, no matter how small.
For us, gratitude manifested physically through a feeling of warmth and lightness, almost like an internal hug. We felt a sense of connection to our bodies and the present moment. It's fascinating to observe how gratitude affects us physically, from the calming sensation it brings to the sense of expansion in our hearts. When we lead with gratitude, we create space for more of it in our lives, as it attracts similar energy and positivity.
Gratitude is not only a mindset but an experience. It invites us to be fully present in the moment, to appreciate where we are, who we are, and what we have. In doing so, we release the need for perfection and allow ourselves to flow with life’s ups and downs. So, we encourage you to pause and reflect on what you're grateful for today, to truly feel that gratitude in your body, and to notice how it shifts your energy. Gratitude, at its core, is about acceptance — of both the light and the dark moments that make us who we are.
If you’re ready to begin your own healing journey and reconnect with your soul’s true essence, I invite you to visit www.chellegriffin.com to learn more about the transformative spiritual practices and healing services available. Together, we can explore the path toward healing, growth, and sovereignty. You don’t have to walk this path alone—let’s walk it together.