The new year is here, and with it come the dreams, hopes, and wishes for something better. As for me, I am just grateful for every new day. Three years ago, my life changed in a split second after a traumatic accident, and since then, I have appreciated life even more. Then, a few months ago, we lost our mum, as I called my mother-in-law. She has been missed ever since, but her loss also reminded us how precious yet fragile life is. So, whilst celebrating New Year with friends, I couldn’t help but think of the words I shared a year ago in one of my gratitude posts.
The post was part of a series of posts on gratitude, Begin Within: A Gratitude Series, which can be found on The Uncommon Normal blog run by Twyla Franz, a missional neighbouring advocate. The series focuses on how gratitude can impact our lives and the lives of those around us. It guides us to look for gratitude in the little things around us. And I felt thankful for the opportunity to share my story of gratitude following my traumatic accident.
Read also ‘Finding Gratitude After a Serious Injury and Healing PTSD Through Writing – MatChat Wellbeing Podcast‘
Why am I grateful?
It’s hard to find gratitude amid hardship. But I remember the tears when I was led on a hospital bed, trying to lift my legs after the accident. There were tears of pain but also happiness as I actually managed to lift my legs. And even though the pain engulfed my body and it became clear that my recovery was going to be a very long one, I was grateful to God. Grateful that He left me on this earth for a bit longer.
Over three years later, I am still in recovery, but I don’t forget to thank God for every day of my life. Because whilst every day might not be a good one, there is still something good in every day. I am not saying that I never get frustrated with how things are or that accepting the huge change in my life is easy. No, I am a human being, and I carry emotions that manifest themselves differently depending on the situation, but I am still here. I can still do things in my life and with my life. And for this I am grateful.
Read also ‘Alternative Ways to Genuine Gratitude Practice in Challenging Times‘
Each day is a miracle
So, if finding gratitude isn’t easy for you in the place you are in, don’t torture yourself, I know it’s not always easy. You may want to look at alternative ways of practising gratitude. If so, you can find some suggestions in this post.
But I am here, and with my words, I want to encourage you, cheer you on, and comfort you as you unwrap the gift of a new day. Because even if the past year has been full of obstacles and unexpected challenges, every day is a gift beyond measure. So let us embrace pain with joy, grief with grace, and darkness with light. Whilst we may not be able to escape the suffering, we can find beauty in what grows in its wake. Discover life’s beauty and be grateful for the gift of a new day.
I want to invite you to read my post ‘Why Each Day Is a Miracle I Am Grateful For’ here.
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
What are you grateful for today?
Thank you and till the next blog post,
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Great info.
i am thankful for everyday
Love this!! So true that every day may not be good, but there’s something good in every day—even if it’s something small. Thanks for sharing!
Such an important practice to implement. Gratitude impacts our perspective in life. Thank you for sharing on this topic. 😊
Pastor Natalie (ExamineThisMoment)
Letstakeamoment.com
This is nice, we need to remind ourselves to be more thankful every day.
https://brigittapasztor.blogspot.com/
Great post! Always Love Twyla’s words of wisdom.