Being ThankFul During Challenging Times
I am a big fantasy movie nerd. I do not agree with all of Rowling’s views. “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light”. This iconic quote from Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban resonates deeply when reflecting on gratitude during life’s most challenging moments. It’s easy to feel thankful when life is sane, smooth, and joyful – emphasis on sane. But what about when the road is rocky, marked by loss, crisis, or uncertainty?
In moments of adversity, gratitude becomes a transformative force, a means of reframing our perspective and fortifying our resilience. Drawing on personal experiences and the lessons from life, let’s explore how gratitude can serve as a compass during the storms of life.
Gratitude is a Lifeline
Gratitude is not about denying the pain and dangers of the present but embracing what remains good within it. After the unexpected passing of close friends during my time in graduate school, I experienced years of survivor’s guilt – to be honest I still struggle with echoes of that guilt to this very day. During this time, I choose to oscillate between disconnection, ambition, responsibility, purpose and faith. This choice, both conscious and unconscious, allowed me interestingly enough to experience moments of profound connection by helping others, academic discourse, hope, and witnessing small fortuitous moments like financial aid coming through at the last moment to allow me to start my graduate education after undergrad.
This stage of my life solidified my belief that gratitude is a skill, not just a feeling. You have to practice it, through verbal affirmations or regular journaling. It requires practice, much like sharpening a pencil to maintain its utility? Gratitude does not erase the pain but reframes it, allowing us to see the silver linings, no matter how thin, hidden within our challenge before us.
Resilience Through Reflection and Community
Resilience is often born from introspection and connection. As a student affairs professional who navigates and has navigated challenges, I’ve found that reflection—whether through journaling or discussions with a counselor—brings clarity and fortifies those internal things responsible for internal strength. Journaling, for instance, allows me to process my emotions and acknowledge growth and shortcomings, even in difficult times.
Moreover, community plays an incredibly important role. Whether through mentorship, as highlighted in my journey from the South Bronx to professional success, or kinship among colleagues facing shared challenges, connections remind us that we are not alone. Community helps us in profound ways that cannot be understated.
Transformative Lessons from Adversity
Looking back on difficult periods often reveals how they shaped our character, values, and life direction. In my blog post about applying Newton’s second law to social problems, the analogy illustrates that significant change requires sustained effort against inertia. Similarly, navigating hardship with gratitude can build a foundation for long-term strength and adaptability.
The lessons I’ve learned echo a profound truth: life’s hardest moments often leave the deepest marks. But as with a pencil, those marks are a testament to our experiences and growth. Gratitude allows us to see those marks as part of our story rather than our undoing.
A Call to Action: Gratitude Amid Struggles
In embracing gratitude during hardship, we acknowledge both our pain and the elements of light that persist. So, as you face your challenges, I challenge you to take a moment each day to list three things you’re grateful for. It may feel small or even forced at first, but with practice, it can shift your perspective and bring unexpected peace.
If life feels overwhelming and finding gratitude seems impossible, reach out. Whether through mentorship, community, or quiet reflection, we can find a path forward together.
Have a restful and enjoyable, and peaceful time over the next few days with your friends and family.
Reflective Questions
- What challenges in your life have led to unexpected lessons or growth?
- How can you practice gratitude daily, even in the face of adversity?
- Finding light in the darkest times is not about ignoring the darkness but about choosing to see the stars.
