The Language of Letting Go: January 18th

Gratitude

Sometimes in life, things happen too fast. We barely solve one problem when two new problems surface. We're feeling great in the morning, but we're submerged in misery by nightfall.

Every day we face interruptions, delays, changes, and challenges. We face personality conflicts and disappointments. Often when we're feeling overwhelmed, we can't see the lessons in these experiences.

One simple concept can get us through the most stressful of times. It's called gratitude. We learn to say, thank you, for these problems and feelings. Thank you for the way things are. I don't like this experience, but thank you anyway.

Force gratitude until it becomes habitual. Gratitude helps us stop trying to control outcomes. It is the key that unlocks positive energy in our life. It is the alchemy that turns problems into blessings, and the unexpected into gifts.

Today, I will be grateful. I will start the process of turning today's pain into tomorrow's joy.

From The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie ©1990, Hazelden Foundation.

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What a weird concept to be grateful for everything and everybody. For a compulsive person to find acceptance is a miraculous thing; we tend to criticize everyone and everything, then turn to food or other addictions to 'cope' with unfairness of it all. Woe is me. Poor me.

When I stop labeling events in life as 'good' or 'bad', then I treat each event as a blessing to learn from.  Everything is meant to play out exactly as it does, so I need to stop questioning 'why' and just go with the flow.  Acceptance is the key to gratitude, and gratitude is the key to serenity.

For today, I will force gratitude, if necessary, until it becomes habitual.  I will stop trying to control the outcome of any given situation, too.  If doors close when I'm trying to arrange something, and I find myself fighting to make it happen.........then it's not intended to work out.  Then is the time to let GO of MY way and accept God's way.  Conversely, if doors open for me when I'm trying to arrange something, and I find no obstacles in my way, then I will proceed, knowing that I'm on the right path.
When my gut tells me No, I will accept No as an answer. 

For today, I will be grateful. I will start the process of turning today's pain into tomorrow's joy.