As people dealing with autoimmune disease, there’s a lot we take for granted. For example, those days when we have a little more energy than usual. Or, those days we feel well enough to go out to an event with friends and family. Sometimes those days are rare. Ask yourself how often you take time to reflect and be grateful for those days, or the good things in our lives. Be honest. Personally, when I asked myself that question, I realized that I wasn't being grateful enough. If you think you aren't being grateful enough, read on.
Keeping a Gratitude Journal
Being grateful is one of the keys to living a happy and fulfilling life. Dealing with an autoimmune disease can be incredibly trying, but regularly reminding yourself of the blessings in your life can improve your mood and, in turn, improve your health. You might call it a “mind trick”, but it works. I took up a practice of writing down three things I was grateful for every morning in a journal. It's a great, positive way to start off your morning right.
I took up this practice of starting my morning with gratitude after 1) reading a blog post from Tim Ferriss and 2) reading The Gratitude Diaries. The Gratitude Diaries doesn't just discuss the author's journaling. It goes in-depth into the science and psychology of how and why expressing gratitude benefits us. It was eye-opening and life-changing. Gratitude helps us live a more fulfilling life.
But, sometimes, when you're going through hell, it's hard to be grateful. It is easier to dwell on the negative and throw yourself a pity party than it is to pick yourself up and push forward. Often, it takes seeing those less fortunate than yourself to realize just what you have and to make you feel grateful for it. Many of those less fortunate, despite their station in life, are grateful for what they do have. I have seen so many people with “less” that are so much happier than those with “more”. It’s all a matter of attitude and gratitude.
Using your talents and the assets you do have to the best of your ability will foster a more positive attitude. When you start to dwell more upon the positive, the negatives don’t seem like obstacles anymore. With gratitude, you can overcome limitations with a positive attitude.
Being Grateful for the Little Things
There is an old saying “I was sad I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.” Well, one day I ran across Nick Vujicic, a man with no feet… and no legs, and no arms. His inspiring videos, his book Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life, and workshops have given many a new perspective. His story has touched countless lives. He went through dark times, depression, wondering about his purpose. When he changed his attitude and focused on the positive, he overcame the obstacles in his way.
His body may have limits, but his mind and spirit don’t. The same can be said for those who suffer from autoimmune disease. Nick is grateful for what he does have and he uses it to the best of his ability. He challenges people and inspires them. If he can be happy in his situation, why can’t you? There are days where it is painful for me to move, but I can move and I'm grateful for that.
Take a moment to explore Nick’s website, Attitude is Altitude, be inspired, and reflect on what blessings you have to be grateful for.