A few years ago, I went through a very grouchy time. Like now, the news was full of disasters or gloomy stories about relationship break-ups and people being out of work.
In my own life, lots of things seemed to be going wrong. I was NOT feeling very thankful!
Then suddenly everything changed.
It was a couple days before Thanksgiving, and my sister and I were on the way to a hair appointment. I was driving her SUV for her when one of the tires blew out. This happened while I was going 75 miles an hour on a very busy highway, sandwiched between several huge semi-trucks.
By some miracle, I was able to pull off onto the shoulder of the road without hitting anyone. As my sister and I stood in shock, looking at the completely shredded tire, a small red car zipped past in front of us, then pulled off the road and instantly backed up.
A 20-something young man jumped out of the car and after looking at the damaged tire, offered to change it for us. Without a word of complaint, he crawled under the vehicle to retrieve the spare tire, then slid on the dirty ground in order to place the jack under the axel.
Within twenty minutes, this kind man had replaced the destroyed tire with the spare one, then after telling us he was glad he could help, jumped back into his little red car and drove away.
At that moment, I felt extremely thankful!
I’m thankful the SUV stayed on the road and we didn’t get into a wreck that might have killed us. I’m thankful the traffic had a small break that allowed me so get off of the road so quickly. I’m thankful for God protecting us and for sending the amazing soul who stopped and changed the tire.
Now that I’m on a roll, I could write a list of hundreds of things that I’m thankful for! I’m actually grateful for the flat tire, because it helped me stop whining and instead, start noticing the wonderful blessings in my life.
Watch for the rainbows
Even when your life feels bleak or discouraging, you can always find a lot to be thankful for. You simply have to pay closer attention and notice the good things you might otherwise take for granted.
I encourage you to start noticing all the positive things that show up in your life when you weren’t looking for them. Label these tiny bright spots as RAINBOWS—little gifts that slip in quietly, giving you an emotional boost in the middle of an otherwise difficult day.
Cultivate a sense of gratitude about the simple things that happen in your life. Be thankful each time that your children arrive home safely after school. At bedtime, appreciate your cozy blanket and the way your pillow fluffs up under your head. Pay attention to these rainbows and consider all the ways they help you feel better.
Make a list of rainbows
Now start writing down all the things you are thankful for. Watch for bits of joy, kindness and beauty that cross your path. Keep your notebook handy this week and record all of these special things.
Add people, events or places to your rainbow list. Include your friends and family members, then add acquaintances such as the friendly neighbor who always waves as you drive past.
Think about the subtle rainbows such as the person who delivers your mail during the middle of a rainstorm or the grocery clerk who slips your eggs into a separate bag to protect them from breaking.
Fill in some of your journal pages with great memories and events from the past. Recall favorite books that give you great insight or music artists who move you to tears. At the end of each day, read from your rainbow list and celebrate what’s good in the world.
Cultivate being grateful
Anytime you’re tempted to complain about Covid, your tight budget or other life challenges, get grateful instead. You can instantly change your attitude as well as your actions by simply reminding yourself of all the good things in your life.