November is National Gratitude Month and while you may be well-versed in discussing what you are thankful for over Thanksgiving dinner, you’d be surprised about the benefits that are brought around when gratitude becomes a daily practice in your life.
What is gratitude?
By definition, “gratitude is the human way of acknowledging the good things in life.” It encourages you to recognize the aspects of your life that bring you joy, even if they are relatively small. However, when going through a divorce, it can be hard to feel grateful. After all, while it may be a necessary act, divorce is tough. You dedicate a lot of your time, love, and energy into a relationship without reaping long-term positive results. Consequently, you may feel as though you have little to be grateful for this year; however, this is not the case. A difficult time in your life is not devoid of joy or things to be thankful for – just look at all the people who are rallying themselves around you right now or the way the leaves crunch beneath your feet on your morning walk.
How can I practice gratitude when going through a divorce?
Be thankful for change.
Change can be scary, especially when the things you were previously thankful for, such as your home and family unit, are changing right before your eyes. However, change is the key to happiness. So, take a time to be thankful for the fact that you are investing in yourself and your own joy. Be thankful for the fact that you’re removing yourself from a bad situation. Be thankful for the fact that you’re starting a new chapter and the world of opportunities that now rest at your fingertips.
Be thankful for your support system.
While we often glamorise romantic relationships, it’s important to note that they are not the only relationships in our life that should be placed on a pedestal of appreciation. Whether you’ve joined a divorce support group, or are venting to your friend and family, you’re likely surrounded by people who want what is best for you and are always there to listen. This alone is something to be thankful for.
Be thankful for life’s small joys.
When expressing gratitude, it’s important to note that you don’t have to be thankful for anything ‘big’ or significant. In fact, learning to be grateful for the smaller things in life will help you find more joy in your day moving forward. For example, you could express gratitude for the weather on your morning walk, the fact that the barista at your local coffee shop remembers your order or the fact that your friend send you a video they thought you’d enjoy.
Every time you smile today (and for the rest of the year), try to remember why you are smiling. Hold onto these moments, and refer back to them whenever you need a boost of joy or gratitude.
Be thankful for yourself.
Your relationship with yourself is the longest relationship you will have in your life. And while it’s easy to fall into feelings of self-doubt during the divorce process, now is the time to show yourself some love. Be thankful that you have the strength to move on from this, the strength required to start anew. Be thankful that you have the capacity to feel, and work through your emotions. Be thankful that you’ve got the chance to start over, and find something that makes you truly happy.
If you need a helping hand during this time, know that we’re here to help. Get in touch with a Provider to find out more.
