Gratitude Erases Anxiety!

Honestly, I woke up feeling blue. Being a night owl, working on graveyard shifts makes it hard for me to enjoy the dawn. I've wished to wake up one morning before the sun rises, pondering about life, sipping coffee, listening to gospel music, and just appreciating life. But not all mornings come the way we want them. Sometimes, the mornings are gloomy for no reason. However, we begin each day depends on what we decide to do, sulk over depressing stuff, or be joyful for the new beginning.

Life is a cycle of ups and downs. And clearly, it is known that the constants--change, choice, principles, and God's love-- of our lives can pave the road to our happiness, should we change our attitude about it.

How about starting to mix gratitude into our attitude- gratitude? Think about these constants and how we can choose gratitude over anxiety in every aspect of life?

WHEN BILLS PILE UP

My mortgages/rent make my pocket cry, but it means I have a roof over my head. The electricity bills fluctuate and are often expensive. Still, it means comfort- having light at night, an air conditioner/electric fan to keep me cool on hot days, and a heater to keep me warm on winter days, charge my gadgets and use my appliances.  

The monthly car payment means I have the privilege of driving my own vehicle to go to places to run errands or for leisure activities. 

Car and health insurance is handy when car repairs, accidents, or healthcare needs arise. 

Bills meant that utility and service companies trusted that I had the job and the means to pay tabs! So, Lord, thank you for the piling bills! 

CHALLENGING JOB

We spend half of our lives doing our jobs, and this challenging part of our existence requires constant demands, time, and energy. Remember the terrible bosses or difficult coworkers we wish to disappear in thin air or the land breaks in two and swallow them whole? The people we work with can motivate us to better ourselves, improve our patience, or test our limits to the core- all ingredients to a better person! Hence, I am thankful for the challenging job! 

UNCERTAIN & UNATTAINABLE GOALS

When we have something to look forward to, life changes its direction. A goal is a goal, big or small. As we plan on how to execute and achieve our goals, our lives become more meaningful. 

Without a goal to pursue is like a living dead. It sucks to not have a dream and live and breathe mechanically. So, no matter how uncertain life is, continue dreaming big. Create more pursuits, even if it sounds unattainable. Who knows? What if we achieve it all? 

Goals inspire us to work harder. Life is not just about the destination; it is best lived when we enjoy our journey. So, I am thankful for all my life goals! 

There are so many books about the magic of gratitude. But honestly, there is no magic behind it. We simply change our attitude on how we see life. Every day we get to choose the outcome of our day. We may not like the result of our daily agenda, but we can end the day with a beautiful perspective and a better mindset. And we can always start with a grateful heart. 

Sharing some of the bible verses about gratitude:

1 Thessalonians 5: 18

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

1 Chronicles 16: 34

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!"

Philippians 4: 6-7

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus."

Let me end this blog with a quick story. There was a child who decided to walk in the forest at night. The surroundings seem pitch black at first sight. But the night skies sparkle as this child strolls deep into the woods. Instead of paying attention to the darkest night, this child saw the glowing leaves on her feet. 

Yes, we may feel stuck in a pit or our darkest mole. But when we take a moment to reflect and be grateful while at our lowest, we will surely see the glowing leaves in the dark! Like Magic! 

So, yes, count your blessings and name them one by one!

Choose gratitude today and see how blessed you are.

You are alive! You have hope, and you have today to appreciate.

After reframing my head about gratitude, I felt so much better. Gratitude replaces anxiety in our hearts! Now, I leave all my cares to God. I hope that this post brought you some motivation to choose & look at life on its brighter side. Be blessed!