When Gratitude Becomes Your Saving Grace

The year is almost at its end, and yet we still see people who have made their New Year’s resolutions remain to be part of their list that never got anywhere. There are so many people who always wish to make something different in their lives when the New Year comes. They all seem to have all the hope that they and start changing their lives, to improve their lives. However, it is so sad that the list just remains a dream and never have these people made any efforts in trying to make them happen.

Now, we just have about two weeks before we start another new year, have you contemplated about how 2019 was to you? Were there any changes in your life that helped you in a positive way? Or were there times that life challenged you that you almost gave up?

We all experience different things and we also treat them differently. Some people may see a problem as a burden while others thank for it since it become a life’s lesson to them that allowed them to renew themselves and become better individuals.

When I was younger, I used to make those New Year’s resolutions, too. But, just like most people, they just remained in the list, and never have I made a move to make them happen. For reasons such as being lazy or just not serious about making it happen, I never realized how important it really is to start the new year with a clean slate.

A lot of challenges that came along our way, I think that it is just right to help ourselves make something great in our lives. After all, we only get one chance at life and it would be a bummer to just waste it away… (not unless you have some superpowers that would allow you to become immortal!)

I am the kind of person who is mostly quiet. I like to think with zero noise. My kids can attest to that. I can only be very productive writing when I am alone at home because I am able to write whatever pops in my head right away without interruptions, no fear of escaping the thought from my brains because no one would be talking to me or asking me to do something else.

Sometimes I look back at the things that has happened and the uncomfortable feeling floods back. You would think of just wanting to hop on a time machine to make all the wrong decisions right. But of course, that is not possible. But, you wish that things should have been differently. Feeling guilty and remorseful is part of the healing, I guess, and that is one thing that I would like to share to those who may be “trapped” in a situation wherein they think that happiness has eluded them permanently.

How do you define happiness?

If someone asks you, “Are you happy?”, how do you reply? Is it “Yes” with full enthusiasm or “No” with regret? Truly, it is difficult to see the colors of the rainbow when you feel indifferent. When you are angry or sad, you tend to feel sorry for yourself and you think that the only way for you to feel better is to revenge. While it may make you feel good in a way, it really does not solve any problem that you may be in. What it does is it drowns you even more. And the more you feel horrible.

But you don’t need to feel that way all the time. Why waste time feeling bad when there are so many things that can occupy your mind and help you get back that smile.

One thing that I have learned all these years is when I feel bad about someone, in

stead of throwing knives and daggers (of course, not literally!), I just try to make myself feel normal – smile (even if it hurts) and just radiate with positivity. The more negative you become you would just make yourself sick. You will just get stressed and eventually get sick. Do you know that stress is one of the top causes of death these days? And it is something that we all can avoid. We need to find an outlet on how we can get rid of our bad feelings and live a happier and healthier life.

How To Become Stress-Free

We sometimes get stressed with even just the littlest things and it is absolutely crazy to react violently just because you dropped a pen, your coat was caught in the door while heading out, your phone rang while watching your favorite show, etc. I mean, there are just things beyond your control and just believe that other things happen for a reason. While our immediate reaction to something bad is negative, we shouldn’t allow ourselves to sulk in that dark pit and feel sorry for ourselves and concoct on how to revenge. That’s now how we should live our lives. Here are a few things that can help you release all the bad vibe:

1.     Take a deep breath and slowly exhale. Do this repeatedly until you feel that you can calm your nerves. Taking in oxygen can do wonders. 

2.     Write down the things that frustrate you. You can even write a letter if it concerns a person. Tell everything that you want to say. This is an effective way of releasing some steam because you get to read what you have written and somehow filter what you have to say in person. When you do this, you get to control your emotions if you need to confront the person.

3.     Allow some time to pass before confronting the person who may have hurt you. This allows you to think better and to understand the situation clearly. Always keep in mind that there are two sides of the coin, and that you cannot always be right. Therefore, be prepared to  listen and make sure to listen good.

4.     Connect with God. Allow Him to show you the right way on how to handle the situation. There is always a small voice that would tell you how to get out of what you are going through.

5.     Talk to someone you trust. This is truly a very effective means of unloading your burden. When someone is there to listen to you, you allow yourself to be enlightened and helps you get rid of your bad choices. This is something that most suicide victims failed to do. They never considered voicing out what they feel. They think that the world have gone against them that whatever goes into their mind, they would think is the right thing to do.

6.     Take a vacation. Being in a different place allows you to breath peacefully. Let the new place make you feel that there is live that you need to enjoy and that bad things only help us to become stronger.

7.     Visit an orphanage or share your blessings to a charity. You don’t need to wait for you to become rich to be able to help people who are in need. You will be amazed at how ecstatic you would feel after seeing the faces of the orphans lit up once you hand them something.

8.     Sing your heart out. One way of letting out your feeling is through a song. You may feel the pain with some of the songs, but, it can help you release all the negative feelings, too. Don’t forget to call your friend and let your solo concert turn into a rave!

9.     Don’t forget to laugh. It is the best medicine indeed. Aside from getting rid of the appearance of premature wrinkles, it allows you to have a positive perspective. Laughing can be contagious, and that is one “virus” that everyone should catch.

10. Surround yourself with positive people because they will always lift you up and will never allow you to stay stuck in that hole.

Turn your negative feeling into positive when you think about how you can make others feel happy. ‘Tis the season to share the love, joy, and peace to everyone. Be an instrument of hope to those who may have lost their way towards goodness. Inspire people to see the good in themselves. Enlighten people that there is always something to look forward to. You will be surprised at how your heavy feeling will turn into a humbled heart when you feel the love that others can give back because of your generosity and gratitude.

When you recognize yourself as only a human, you will realize that things happen because there is nothing that we can do. No matter how careful we are, we will always be tested. Instead of indulging in negative thoughts and feelings, take this chance to shower people that you love with kindness. And pray intently that you become stronger.

This Christmas Eve, light a candle a say a little prayer of gratitude, repentance, hope, and love. You will instantly feel the immense embrace of our dear Lord letting you know that you are never alone.