Finding Gratitude When Life Isn’t Cooperating

November is National Gratitude Month, and your circle of real life and online friends may be full of people who happily express gratitude for their many blessings. But what if you feel like you’ve missed the blessing bus? What if life is a series of challenges right now that overwhelm any sense of gratitude you might feel? Here at the Hancock Health Connection Center, we get it. Life doesn’t always feel like a fairy tale, and sometimes you have to dig deep to find those nuggets of gratitude. 

Although it may seem hard to focus on the positives during a difficult time, a bit of gratitude can be good for the heart and your overall sense of well-being, however. Practicing gratitude on a regular basis can enhance your mental wellness. It can reduce depression, relieve stress, and even boost your heart health.  That’s why we’ve compiled a strategy for finding gratitude during the most difficult times. Let’s learn how to find that sunshine even on the darkest days.

Take a moment to step back from the list of things you lack and check out what you have. Did you get enough to eat last night? Did you have a place to sleep last night that was warm and dry? Are you able to meet your basic needs? Remember, the Connection Center is always available to help you connect with local community resources that can help fill any gaps. If you’re not sure where to start, start with us.

When you’re looking for reasons to be grateful, you may be focusing on “great” instead of “OK.” If gratitude seems like too much of a challenge, consider looking for things that are OK:

Acknowledge these mild victories in the grand scheme of your day.

Being grateful may not come naturally, especially during dark times. Gratitude can take practice. Try writing down three quick things that made you happy—or didn’t make you sad. Keep a notebook handy on your desk or start a spreadsheet that you can call up each morning. Remember, these don’t have to be earth-shattering accomplishments. A new shade of lipstick that makes you feel fabulous is definitely a blessing!

Social media can do a great job of bringing us together, but it also can paint an unrealistic picture of other people’s lives. Remember, when you’re comparing your life with a friend’s social media feed, you’re looking at their highlight reel while you’re focused on what’s going on behind the scenes in your own life. Even in real life, you may think your friends get all the breaks. You don’t know what else is going on in their lives. 

We all have to occasionally remind ourselves that things could be worse. When was the last time you had to wait in line for a free meal or sift through a pile of donated shoes to find a pair that would fit and keep your feet warm in the winter? Volunteering with a local community organization can be the first step to introducing a little perspective back into your life. 

It’s tempting to want to handle things on your own, especially if you have trust issues or you were raised with the mindset that asking for help is somehow shameful or weak. You may not realize it, but you’re giving others a valuable gift when you let them help you. Reach out to a friend and let them know you’re struggling. If picking up the phone seems like too much, send a text. You are never alone. Here at the Connection Center, our support navigators are trained to offer compassion without judgment and help you find a wellness path that works.

Gratitude doesn’t have to focus on big-ticket items. When you practice gratitude, you’re creating a mindset that can lead to mental and physical wellness. If you’re struggling, the Hancock Health Connection Center is here to help. Call us at 317-468-4231 or stop by the Connection Center at 120 W. McKenzie Road, Suite G, Greenfield, during regular business hours.