Spiritual Tools for Caregivers (and other people too!)
What if?
Have you ever arrived at gratitude via the side door or perhaps the back door? Here’s what I mean.
As Christopher Peterson articulates, “It may matter whether we think about the good things in our lives in terms of their presence (e.g., I have a great job) or in terms of their absence (e.g,.Suppose I did not have this great job). Research participants who did mental subtraction rated the good event in question as more surprising than those who simply thought about the good event. This wonderful thing-my job, my spouse, my good health-did not have to happen.”
I realize you may find it easier to think of the problems that plague your life. Set those aside for a moment and notice the good elements of your life, small and insignificant to others as they may seem.
Think of one thing that you are most grateful for: the chance to take a certain vacation, recovery from an illness, an unexpected gift, a treasured relationship, etc. One thing.
Now, what if this had not happened? Go ahead, try it. I’ll wait.
No seriously, try it.
Doesn’t this exercise awaken your gratitude molecules? You might even physically experience a tingly feeling of enlivened appreciation.
Giving thanks by subtraction. Add this to your toolbox!
Worth Repeating
We often take for granted the very things that deserve our gratitude.
-Cynthia Ozick
