“It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.”-Germany Kent

These insightful words by Germany Kent remind us of the power of gratitude. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget the importance of cultivating an attitude of gratitude, especially on our worst days. However, it is during these challenging times that practicing gratitude can have the most significant impact on our overall well-being. In this blog post, I want to share my personal journey towards embracing gratitude, and provide you with practical steps to adopt an attitude of gratitude even when life feels tough.

A few months ago, I read the powerful memoir, “The Girl Who Smiled Beads,” which narrates Clemantine Wamariya’s harrowing journey through the Genocide in Rwanda. Her story of survival and resilience opened my eyes to the immense challenges others face and made me realize how privileged I am. It was a wake-up call that prompted me to reevaluate my own life and develop a deep sense of gratitude for the blessings I often take for granted.

I realized how much more there is to life. And I realized how f*cking lucky I am to live the life I live. After I finished the last page I sat there for an hour just looking around. I was seeing my house, my husband, my dogs clearly for the first time.

At the time I was reading because I had an “awful” day and wanted an escape.

Turns out in the grand scheme of life, I had an abundantly blessed day.

Instantly I felt like what the hell is wrong with me? How could I feel so down when I live such a beautiful life? What would I do if I had real problems like Clemantine?

I knew I needed to change.

Now let me be honest. I am human and the furthest from perfect. Seriously, there is so much work I have to do still. Although I have climbed mountains and am so proud of where I am today, I still have a long way to go.

That’s okay we can go together.

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Attitude of Gratitude

What does that even mean?

Basically that you love every single moment of life solely for the reason you are alive and allowed to live that moment.

Doesn’t that sound like it would just feel so good?!

Then why do we allow ourselves to day after day, fall in the same patterns. Living life on repeat, upset when something disrupts our routine, or inconveniences us even just a little.

As I write this I can’t help but to think over my day, my week, my month and realize how many days I have wasted. FOR NO REASON.

But the second I start feeling gratitude for my life I feel everything start to change.

Doing laundry doesn’t feel like a chore because I am so grateful for all the beautiful clothes I have. But most importantly, I am grateful to have clothes on our backs and the luxury of indoor washer and dryers.

I actually don’t mind doing dishes anymore either. You know why? Because it means my husband just made a DELICIOUS meal and our bellies are full.

With a conscious effort you can change your attitude and perspective to gratitude one bad day at a time.

THERE IS SO MUCH TO BE GRATEFUL FOR.

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10 Affirmations for Gratitude on a Bad Day

• I am grateful to be alive and live this day.
• Thank you for a warm bed to fall asleep in every night.
• I am grateful for warm showers every day.
• Thank you for my job that provides me steady income for my family.
• I am grateful for the lessons today taught me so I am stronger tomorrow.
• Thank you for my full belly and the warm meals I have enjoyed today.
• I am grateful for the convenience of the modern world and that anything I want is at my fingertips.
• Thank you for the chance to make tomorrow a better day and live another day in health.
• I am grateful for who I am and for doing the best I can with the knowledge I have.
• Thank you for everyone who has been in my life and for the love we’ve shared and the lessons that were taught.

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This is not the last we will touch on gratitude. But it’s a good start.

How do you find gratitude on a bad day? How do you work to adopt an attitude of gratitude? Drop a comment below or send me an email.

Thank you for reading!

Xoxo,
Mariah