“During a difficult time, gratitude is more important than ever. Research shows that gratitude can help us cope with traumatic events, regulate our negative emotions, and improve our well-being. More importantly, gratitude can have a positive effect on our friends and family, too. It’s a small way to have a meaningful impact.”

– Ryan Fehr, associate professor of management at the UW Foster School of Business

Sometimes, when the pain and suffering feels too much to bear, it can be difficult to feel gratitude and appreciation. We are all human and it’s of value to be kind and gentle with ourselves and acknowledge wherever we are vibrationally. Forcing oneself to feel positivity may find oneself digging one’s heels deeper into the suffering, resistance and struggle. The suggestion at times like this is to allow, as per one’s path of least resistance, something as general as being in the present moment just for the sweet relief it brings. Mindfulness and meditation can be of value in allowing the present moment. The present moment can be extremely restorative, nurturing and healing. This year has shown us, more clearly than ever before, the value of being present in the here and now, the gift just being in the present moment can be.

“The present moment is the only moment available to us and is the door to all moments.”

– Thich Nhat Hanh

As we focus on the present moment, as per our readiness and path of least resistance, we allow ease and relief. As we allow ease and relief, we move closer to hope. As we move closer to hope, we move closer to allowing gratitude and love.

“Gratitude is an essential part of being present. When you go deeply into the present, gratitude arises spontaneously.”

– Echart Tolle

As we head into the holiday season this year, I affirm the connection, for all of us, to the place of hope, gratitude, faith and strength within. From this place of ease, love and strength, we are of so much value to ourselves and those we want to be of value to.

I affirm a Thanksgiving for everyone which is filled with gratitude for all the goodness even though there is so much pain and suffering.

I am thankful for each and every act of compassion and kindness in the world. I am thankful for the medical fraternity and those working tirelessly to find a solution to help others. I am thankful for the emergency responders, teachers, essential workers, volunteers providing food to those in need, utility employees, truck drivers and workers in warehouses, journalists and so many others who continue to work and respond even as they cope with the impact of the pandemic in their own lives. I am thankful for the value of human interconnectedness that this year has shown us more clearly than ever before. I am thankful for the resilient human spirit full of hope, prayer, strength, positivity and compassion. I am thankful for all the blessings we have.

Thank you for your presence in my journey <3

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Photo credit – Timothy Eberly via Unsplash.com