Learning to Be Grateful

It isn't easy to be grateful. The weight of the world falls on your shoulders. Sometimes it feels as if you're in a deep, dark hole with no way to get out. Grateful feelings don't come naturally. They come because someone does something that uplifts you. They come when you realize things are not as bad as they seem.

I could let fear drive me. I won't do that. Learning to be grateful is hard work. It takes determination and sense that you have someone in your corner. It takes learning to trust in God, and hoping for a better future.

It's not good to bottle things up. When you start thinking positive, and let the negative feelings go...things will change for the better. I admit that it has been extremely difficult for me lately to be grateful. Things pile up. You stuff them in, putting on a mask and trying not to panic. Sometimes though you have to let it out.

I am grateful for the opportunities I've been given to express myself like this. I am grateful for family and friends. I am grateful that I am loved. I am grateful for shelter, food and electricity. I am grateful for water, relatively good health and knowledge.