When asked whether one should feel grateful under trying circumstances, Robert Emmons (professor of psychology at the University of California) states that "it is precisely under crisis conditions when we have the most to gain by a grateful perspective on life. In the face of demoralization, gratitude has the power to energize. In the face of brokenness, gratitude has the power to heal. In the face of despair, gratitude has the power to bring hope." Emmons goes on to make the distinction between feeling grateful and being grateful, emphasizing that while gratitude may not be a natural feeling that one experiences it is a conscious choice that one can make.
I agree with Emmon's perspective and find that through practicing conscious gratitude you find yourself with the ability to look at your life as a gift. Re-framing my life as a gift which has been given to me, allows me to best access my creativity and give back to others. Moreover, I find that looking at life through the lens of gratitude can be useful in re-framing your current and past realities which is what Emmons goes on to detail in his article, "How Gratitude Can Help You Through Hard Times." Yes, gratitude can be difficult to practice but, as I hope you will find, it is worth the effort.
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