It’s easy to be grateful when I am living in this moment, for within this moment I have no fear about tomorrow, no regret about yesterday and being truly present I understand the gift of life.
When tragedy or major changes confront us along our journey, it’s very difficult to find gratefulness.
The reason we find it so difficult is because we are not living in the moment of this challenge. No matter how devastating it may seem, if I try to remain fully present without attaching a story to why or how this happened or have fear about the future, then I can truly accept this situation and focus of finding my gratefulness.
“Give thanks for the unknown blessings already on their way” – Native American Saying.
At first any challenge that arrives on our journey can send us into a tailspin of emotions and fear, trying to come to grips with what has happened. These are normal feelings and emotions that come up when we are faced with great changes but we shouldn’t fight or repress these feelings. Allow them in and then let them go.
“As soon as you honor the present moment, all unhappiness and struggle dissolve, and life begins to flow with joy and ease. When you act out the present-moment awareness, whatever you do becomes imbued with a sense of quality, care, and love – even the most simple action.” – Eckhart Tolle
Staying present amongst major changes and challenges in our life, really helps us to find clarity and peace. Even when faced with death as tragic as it is, you can find hope and love amidst the pain and sadness, you can find joy again when you look for it.
We are given a great gift of choice in our life. We may not have control of what lies ahead in our life or know that we have certainty for the future and yet, we still have the choice to be present and have control over our thoughts and how we view any situation.
Find what it is you are grateful for today, even if you are in pain and allow your mind to become still and accept this situation. Once you are fully present in this acceptance of what is, you will begin to lighten your burden and heal.
“Your outer journey may contain a million steps; your inner journey only has one: the step you are taking right now.” – ET
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Pain does not prohibit gratitude. Both are part of this life. Thanks for writing about the importance of choosing to be grateful despite our suffering. Your wisdom is appreciated.
Thanks Em. You are right, once we accept that pain is part of normal life, we can move through it more easily and heal.