Don’t cover your eyes to it. Don’t ignore it. Take care of yourself too.
Being Grateful When The World is So Fucked Up
Gratitude ≠ Happiness
Darkness is not a lack of gratitude.
Authentic gratitude comes from looking at the world with eyes wide open.
It is not protected behind blinders – ignoring the horrors – the injustice.
Sometimes it hurts to pay attention. Sometimes it hurts to be alive. But we need to do it anyway.
The world has darkness in it.
We all have darkness in us.
Look at it.
Use it to ignite action.
And yes, appreciate it.
There is beauty in real emotion – Beauty in sadness – Beauty in anger.
If you’re not outraged you’re not paying attention.
If you’re not grateful you’re not paying attention.
Paying attention is the first step to finding something you are grateful for.
Paying attention is the first step to making a difference in the world.
Pay attention and when you witness the darkness notice how uncomfortable it feels.
Use that feeling to connect with your values that are not being me by the darkness you see.
Use that feeling to connect with others who have the same universal values.
Use that feeling to feel compassion.
Then use that feeling to get out of your head and heart and get into your body. This is action.
Use your gratitude practice as an inventory of your resources and strengths.
Use your gratitude practice to know that what you have is enough and you have some to give as well.
Be concerned about all that is fucked up in the world.
Be hopeful too.
Since you are paying attention, you will notice when you are cycling through the same information. Those looped news stories. Take that as a cue that it is time to rest.
It is time to notice something else.
Maybe even all that you are grateful for.
Take a moment to just be, breathe, live.
Know that paying attention is a sacred act.
It is our work to see it all.
To be outraged.
To be grateful.
To act accordingly.
We’re participating in something sacred.
~Fred Rogers
What are you grateful to notice now that you are paying attention?
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[su_note note_color=”#e7e7e7″ text_color=”#686767″ radius=”0″] My gratitude journey started in May 2011 and continues to this day. Thank you for being a part of it! A daily gratitude practice is simple. Write down three things you are grateful for each day. Download your free GratitudeGuide. My clients focus on gratitude and learn from their successes to make the positive changes they want in their lives. You can too. Call me to set up our first meeting 505.333.9336. [/su_note]