Making the Shift from Resistance to Gratitude

Samantha Karol, the creative and thoughtful blogger behind Life is Like a Box of Chocolates, is running a guest post series around the topic of Appreciation. The topic, and her post encouraging all of us to participate, immediately spoke to me. I can’t think of a better theme to rally around.

My post kicked off the series on Monday, and am re-posting here on Life After College for anyone who hasn’t had a chance to read it. For those of you who have already read or commented – thank you! And if you’re not already subscribed to Sam’s blog – I highly encourage you to check it out. There will be some great posts from great bloggers coming up as part of the Appreciation Revolution.

Making the Shift from Resistance to Gratitude

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my health, my family, my friends, my readers, my possessions and many other things in this world — often to the brink of tears. Today I am dedicating this post to appreciating the less obvious gifts in my life. My hope for all of us is that in addition to appreciating our blessings, we can take a step back and appreciate the blessings-in-disguise too.

I appreciate the days I work so hard I can barely remember to eat lunch,
because I feel important, and I enjoy my vacation days that much more.

I am thankful for the chance to lead big, scary projects at work,
because it means someone believes in me and because those
projects push me to grow in ways I couldn’t plan for or predict.

I appreciate my overflowing inbox,
because it means my life and work are abundant,
and that people care.

I was secretly happy when my car broke down,
because it gave me the kick I needed to bike to work
and enjoy fresh, cold air every morning.

I am thankful for my 4-month writers block,
because it helped me reconnect with myself, my message and my work.

I am grateful for the low moments in my life;
the moments of despair, sadness, and disappointment,
because they enable me to be more compassionate as a listener, coach and friend.

I am thankful that I haven’t seriously dated anyone in a year and a half,
because I’ve filled my time with incredibly enriching people and projects.

Heck, I even appreciate being whistled, hooted and hollered at,
because one day that will stop.

I appreciate my imperfections,
because perfection is boring.

I am thankful that I don’t have everything figured out,
because where is the fun in that?