When life happens to us, it’s tempting to react to the situation through anger, tearful outbursts or bitterness. I’ve lived that life, and it’s not worth the drama. There had to be a less chaotic path, and it’s the only one I take now. So, I’m sharing how to come from a place of gratitude and grace.
Sometimes good things really do come to an end. Life is just unpredictable in that way especially when it involves other people.
You can’t control if a lucrative job abruptly ends, your best friend forgets about you, or if your lover decides to break up with you. However, in tough situations like those, it is always best to respond instead of react.
How to have gratitude and show grace
Why is gratitude important?
I believe gratitude is important because it keeps us in alignment with our goals and purpose. Instead of being shook at every curveball, take a moment to gather yourself by using gratitude instead of a bad attitude.
Don’t allow bitterness or hurt feelings to reset your focus. If I can find a little peace, then I know I can find my focus again.
Be still and process your gratitude.
Be thankful for the opportunity that you had to love a person, gain job experience with your former employer, or create all the memories you made along the way.
Most importantly, use this as a time to gather information about yourself, boundaries and experiences. Be thankful that you now know what you do and do not want in your life.
Show grace to everyone involved including yourself.
We may not see kindness extended on a daily basis or even experience it ourselves from other people.
However, be kind whenever possible. Always remember God constantly pours Grace upon us so you can spare a sprinkle or two.
Also, take it easy on yourself and don’t believe self-defeating lies. Instead, nurture yourself with kindness and only extract the lesson that is there for your growth.
Don’t resist change. Release, let go, and exit.
In that same breath, find a quiet space and allow whatever has ended to exit your life. No doubt…there will definitely be emotions.
I admit that I allow myself to ball my eyes out, smile, or emit that weird cackle laugh that happens (ahem). But, I know that by not resisting change I am allowing a new season of my life to begin.
In my opinion, our lives are a series of seasons beautifully woven together that tell others who we are. Whenever I have let go, God has been faithful in giving me everything I need in that new season.
Enjoy the gift of being present and reconnecting.
Even if it’s for five minutes, soak in this small piece of space you’ve created to quiet yourself.
Life is simply noisy on a daily basis. So, the time to truly tune into your own needs and gather your own direction is crucial.
Listen to your heart, reconnect with your goals and move forward with your life. Write out some new goals or some that you set aside that create a path forward for you.
For example, you may want to take a Udemy class to get MySQL skills or volunteer at a local organization to meet new people.
When you come from a place of grace and gratitude, you reap the benefits even more in the long run.
You’ve now positioned yourself with such poise, dignity and a clear mind to receive your blessings as you enter into the next season of your life.
Trust the process and know that your next season will be the best season.