Gratitude and Attitude Are Not Challenges. They Are Choices.
I’ve realized that gratitude and attitude are not challenges we face, but choices we make every day. This simple yet profound truth has changed my perspective on life over the past couple of years and how I navigate its ups and downs. Let me share with you how I’ve learned to embrace this philosophy and the impact it’s had on my life.
When I first encountered the idea that gratitude and attitude are choices, I was skeptical. Like many, I believed that our emotions and outlook were largely dictated by our circumstances. If good things happened, I’d feel grateful and positive. If life threw curveballs, I’d feel frustrated and negative. It seemed logical, even natural.
This concept above offers a lot of wisdom though. I noticed long ago how two people could face the same situation and react entirely differently. We are all different individuals. One would find silver linings and reasons to be thankful, while the other would focus on the negatives and feel victimized. The difference wasn’t in their circumstances but in the way they perceived it.
I decided to put this theory to the test in my own life in recent years after being bullied in the workplace. I committed to consciously choosing gratitude and a positive attitude each day, regardless of what came my way. At first, it felt forced and unnatural. When faced with challenges, my instinct was still to complain or feel sorry for myself. But I persisted, flipping the scripts as they say, actively looking for things to appreciate and ways to maintain an optimistic outlook.
To my surprise, this practice began to shift something fundamental within me. I found myself naturally noticing more positive aspects of my life. The natural beauty of my surroundings here in Newfoundland & Labrador helped quite a bit with that. Even on difficult days, I could find moments of beauty or lessons to be learned. My resilience grew, and I became better equipped to handle stress and setbacks.
One particularly challenging period stands out in my memory. I fell and broke my left ankle in 2 places in February 2021 and was laid up for 7 weeks. In the past, this would have sent me into a spiral of despair, especially when I have trouble using crutches. But armed with my new perspective, I chose to approach the situation differently.
Instead of dwelling on my misfortunes, I focused on expressing gratitude for the support of my friends and family. I appreciated the extra time I now had to rest and recover. I even found myself thankful for the health challenge, as it prompted me to prioritize my well-being in ways I had previously neglected.
This shift in attitude didn’t magically solve my problems, but it did change how I experienced them. I felt more empowered, more at peace, and more capable of finding solutions. My relationships improved as I became less prone to negativity and more appreciative of others. Opportunities seemed to appear more frequently, perhaps because I was now more open to recognizing them.
Of course, choosing gratitude and a positive attitude isn’t always easy. There are still days when I struggle when the weight of life’s challenges feels overwhelming. But I’ve learned that these are precisely the moments when making this choice matters most.
I’ve developed strategies to help me maintain this mindset, even in difficult times. I spend 15 minutes every morning for over 2 years in mindfulness, thinking of all the things I am grateful for. This simple act forces me to look for the positive, even on my worst days. I’ve also learned to reframe negative situations, asking myself, “What can I learn from this?” or “How might this be an opportunity in disguise?”
Another powerful tool I’ve discovered is the practice of expressing gratitude to others. When I’m feeling low, reaching out to thank someone for their impact on my life never fails to lift my spirits. It reminds me of the connections I have and the positive influence I can have on others.
I’ve also found that surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who prioritize gratitude and positivity has been instrumental in maintaining this outlook. Their energy is contagious, and they serve as a reminder of the power of choice when I’m tempted to slip into old patterns of thinking.
As I’ve embraced this philosophy, I’ve watched it ripple out into various aspects of my life. My life has become more fulfilling as I focus on the value I’m creating rather than the challenges I face. My relationships have deepened as I’ve become more appreciative and less critical. Even my health has improved, likely due to reduced stress and a more optimistic outlook.
Perhaps most importantly, I’ve gained a sense of agency over my own happiness and well-being. While I can’t control everything that happens to me, I can always control how I choose to perceive and respond to it. This realization has been incredibly empowering.
I want to be clear: choosing gratitude and a positive attitude doesn’t mean ignoring real problems or pretending everything is perfect. It’s not about toxic positivity or denying valid emotions. Rather, it’s about acknowledging challenges while also recognizing the good that exists alongside them. It’s about choosing a perspective that empowers rather than victimizes us.
As I reflect I’m filled with, well, gratitude for the insight that gratitude and attitude are choices. This understanding has given me a tool to navigate life’s complexities with more grace, resilience, and joy. It’s a practice I continue to refine each day, and one that I believe has the power to transform not just individual lives, but our collective experience as human beings.
So, I encourage you to consider: How might your life change if you consciously chose gratitude and a positive attitude each day? The power to shape your experience lies within you. It’s not always easy, but in my experience, it’s a choice well worth making.