We've talked a lot about gratitude this month, about almost all its forms and benefits. Sometimes, it's hard to feel grateful for much, though, especially when you're facing a challenge. Ironically, that's when gratitude can be the most helpful.
When you know you've got a challenge coming up, it's wise to get your gratitude on ahead of time to give yourself a solid base. As we've already discussed, gratitude can help you pare down and manage your stuff and keep your obligations reasonable so you can handle some short-term extra demands. Gratitude can also help you build and maintain a solid network of people who can help you through the challenge, and it can motivate you to take good care of yourself, which will really help when you're on the ropes.
And sometimes, you can even deploy gratitude to help minimize a challenge. One of the classic mental exercises during tough times is to ask yourself "What's great about this problem?" You might be surprised at the solutions that can present themselves when you apply that perspective.
It also helps to remember that no life is free from challenges. Even my spoiled housecats had to deal with a new puppy earlier this year. Challenges are often how we grow and develop as human beings, and if you can find a way to be grateful for the chance to grow, that can give you a little more mental energy.
When you're going through something rough, it's likely to be hard to think of it as a gift, but if you can just practice gratitude for yourself, your surroundings and those around you, that feeling of peace and appreciation can help you feel more balanced as you face your challenges.
What challenges have you been grateful for lately? Let me know in the comments!

