Be Grateful for Your Challenges!

My Auntie Suse sent me this email this morning and I thought I would repost it to you!

People with clutter sometimes see their life challenges as unique and especially difficult. It's not true, but I understand why they reach that conclusion. Clutter is isolating, physically as well as socially. Much effort is expended hiding the clutter from others to the extent that the cluttered lifestyle prevents a person from developing close relationships.

If you can't have people over to your house, if you can't really talk about your life with your co-workers, if you don't have close friendships, you won't see that everyone has challenges to overcome. Not only will you have a lopsided view of your life as compared to everyone else's, but you'll miss out on the benefits of sharing your life with others, allowing them to provide support when you need it and giving your support in return. It's a two-way street that makes life richer, more enjoyable and much more manageable. Let's use the analogy of seeing the glass half empty or half full. Do you see everyone else's glass as overflowing while your glass has a hole in the bottom?

Louise Hay, motivational speaker, author, and founder of Hay House Publishing, promotes a uniquely positive approach to life. She, like many others, talks about the value of gratitude. But she is the only person I have ever heard recommend being thankful for your bills! Her reason is valid and worth considering. She says to be grateful for your bills because they represent others' trust in you. Other people have extended credit to you, provided services or products in exchange for your promise to pay them in the future. The bills are your opportunity to make good on your promise to pay for things you have already received such as electricity, phone service, a roof over your head, that wonderful restaurant meal, or your new shoes. Since we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving soon, this month's newsletter is about transforming complaints and challenges into opportunities for growth and gratitude.

Be grateful for your challenges. They make you stronger, more resilient and adaptive.
Be grateful for cloudy days. They help you appreciate the sunshine.
Be grateful for crabby people. They provide an opportunity to be kind.
Be grateful for the flu. It encourages people to wash their hands.
Be grateful for chilly fall days. They help our bodies prepare for winter.
Be grateful for your spouse or partner. They remind you that your way is not the only way.
Be grateful for your clutter. It gives you a reason to change your ways.
Be grateful for difficult relatives. They help you appreciate your friends.
Be grateful for the snow. It cleans the pollutants from the air.
Be grateful for the people who drive slowly in front of you. They provide an opportunity to look around and appreciate the beauty of the season.
Be grateful for demanding children. They remind us to give them the attention they deserve.
Be grateful for junk mail. (If you think of one for this, let me know!)
Be grateful for those who promote conflict. They strengthen our resolve to find a peaceful resolution.
Be grateful for your mistakes. They are opportunities to learn and grow.
Be grateful for people who are different. They remind us to celebrate our diversity as we strive to appreciate our similarities.
Be grateful for people who are negative. They make it easier to see positive alternatives.
Be grateful for your full calendar. It means that others value your time and ability.
Be grateful for economic constraints. They remind us that what is truly important in life can't be purchased.
Be grateful for your life today. It represents your choices thus far.
Be grateful for this list. It has come to an end!