Why Chilling Isn’t The Same as Real Rest (And What You Should Do Instead)
It’s one of those things everyone says you should practice: gratitude. Yet few people understand how complicated it can be to experience true thankfulness when you’re living with chronic illness or disability.
It’s not that you don’t appreciate the good things in life. It’s just that some days you are so exhausted from dealing with unpredictable symptoms, judgemental people and medical bureaucracy that simply surviving takes everything you’ve got. During times like that, being told you should look on the bright side and be grateful for the roof over your head and the food on the table dismisses your struggles and hurts more than it helps.
And still, many of us know that genuine gratitude can offer a spark of hope and relief. Not by denying the hardship you’re facing, but by shifting your attention for one moment to the positivity that still remains. And that change in perspective has more benefits for your health and happiness than you may realize.
Science shows that true thankfulness reduces stress, anxiety and depressive feelings, and boosts your resilience. What’s more, regularly practicing gratitude promotes better sleep, improves your immunity and lessens your pain. That all sounds amazing, but the question remains: how can you feel thankful when you’re struggling?
It turns out that you don’t have to be grateful before you begin practicing. Deliberately doing something to experience thankfulness can help you to actually feel it. And that’s where gratitude quotes come in handy, to notice the good around you again, reconnect you with what you appreciate in life and get a glimpse of that warm glow of true thankfulness.
You can even take it one step further, by pairing your favorite gratitude quotes with an accessible thankfulness practice. You could jot down 3 things that went well each night, to train your brain to easily spot the good things in life. Be kind to others and purposely add simple pleasures to your routines, from having your lunch outdoors to lighting a candle at dinner. You could also do things that evoke awe, like looking up the stars or watching a nature documentary.
None of these gratitude exercises will take away your pain, but hopefully experiencing true thankfulness will provide some light in the darkness and help you carry the emotional load.
Take inspiration from these 17 gratitude quotes to help you notice and appreciate the positive things in life, even when you’re hurting.
Sadly, being thankful for the love and beauty in the world cannot cure your chronic illness. But maybe it will fill your heart with warmth and hope, and give you the strength you need to bounce back from adversity.
Which gratitude quotes inspire true thankfulness in you today?
For more actionable tips to practice genuine gratitude, even if you don’t feel it yet, take a look at ’10 Sincere Ways You Can Still Feel Thankful When You’re Sick’.
