Gratitude Over Negative! As I drove to Locust Grove, VA recently for a short getaway, I caught myself slipping into that complaining spirit. It’s natural to slip into negative thought patterns from time to time, but it’s important to recognize when this is happening and make an effort to shift our perspective. Expressing gratitude is a great way to redirect our thoughts and focus on the positive aspects of our life.
Traffic was very light on the freeway all the way there and I was quite joyful. Then I turned off the highway onto a 35 mile or so, one lane highway, with no passing. Lord it was up and down, and around the bend and back again for the longest time. Of course I couldn’t follow the posted speed limit because the roads were so winding and I didn’t know where I was going. That’s when the complaining spirit kicked in. You can try to make a habit of focusing on the things you are thankful for, even during challenging times, to maintain a more optimistic outlook on life. After a moment, I quickly asked God for his forgiveness. I said, “Lord I asked you to broaden my horizons and you have done just that, as I embark upon the journey today, on my way somewhere I’ve never been before, to meet someone I don’t know, who invited me to join them at a Black-Tie affair, with a free ticket included. God I thank you and you have permission to smack my hand and shut me up! I’m so sorry for complaining about what I asked for. I thank you Lord for this new version of me and the woman that I am becoming.”
I am so glad that I was able to catch myself in the moment and shift my perspective towards gratitude. It’s natural to sometimes feel frustrated or impatient when we encounter challenges or unexpected obstacles on our journey, but it’s important to remember that these experiences can also provide us with opportunities for growth and learning. By focusing on the positive aspects of your journey and expressing gratitude for the new experiences and opportunities that come your way, you can cultivate a more positive outlook on life and enjoy the journey to its fullest. Gratitude can be a powerful tool to shift our focus from what we lack to what we have. Focusing solely on the destination can cause us to miss out on the experiences, growth, and joy that can be found in the journey. The journey itself can be full of valuable lessons, opportunities for personal development, and moments of joy and connection with others. By savoring the journey, we can appreciate the small moments that make life meaningful and create memories that will last a lifetime. So, enjoy the journey, and don’t forget to stop and smell the roses along the way!