Finding gratitude in sorrowful situations leads to unexpected joy

Thanksgiving is, by definition, a time when we reflect on being thankful. In this week’s edition of the paper, we asked our readers to share their gratitude by asking them: “For what are you thankful?” You can read their answers in the Kids Say section on page 6 and in the centerfold, pages 20-21.

I, too, reflected on this question. Each day as part of my morning routine, I write down five things for which I am thankful. Typically, they include specific instances of gratitude for family, friends, pets, the marsh, my church, and my amazing co-workers. But lately, my journal entries reflect a different kind of gratitude.

My mother is in hospice care as pancreatic cancer spreads throughout her body. I’ve been blessed to visit with her in Pennsylvania several times over recent weeks. And it is in these sad times that I find myself being especially thankful as I witness my parents in new, special and unexpected ways. My mom’s spirit and faith are strong and so very gentle. She is sharing stories, memories, and love in ways she never did before. My dad is so attentive, caring and loving toward her, that writing about it brings tears to my eyes. And, yes, I’m thankful for their laughter too, as they share bits of humor between themselves. My favorite being my mom’s retort over my dad’s constant urging that she eat to keep regular, “No ones’ obituary ever read died from constipation.”

In keeping with the paper’s Live a Better Life: Focus on Wellness theme for 2015, I am happy to report that thankfulness does indeed serve as a positive influence on our overall wellness, contributing to improved mental and physical health. Recent studies have linked improvement in heart conditions to journaling about things for which we are thankful. Older studies, as well as Oprah Winfrey, have reminded us of the mental improvements thankful journaling brings. My own experience with gratitude journaling mirrors these studies. But my life experience also brings forth this simple observation: finding gratitude in sorrowful situations leads to unexpected joy.

Daniel Island Publishing

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Unit 108
Daniel Island, SC 29492 

Office Number: 843-856-1999
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