Living Between Gratitude & Grief
The earthly transitions of both family members and family friends has impacted my life over the past 3 years. In May of this year two days before our wedding my Uncle Gus passed away the simple thought of this still feels unreal. Living between gratitude and grief is a delicate dance, a nuanced journey that requires me to embrace the highs and lows with equal measure. I’m learning the art of navigating this emotional journey while finding the beauty in living my life while honoring my loved ones who are no longer here.
I have had to learn to live in a place of gratitude daily. With so much loss it is easier to settle into the thought of what I don’t have, or what I lost. Over the past couple of years I have learned how I need to fully embrace both gratitude and grief.
Gratitude is a powerful force that has the ability to transform our perception of the world around us. It is the beacon of light, guiding us toward the positive and appreciation of what we are given. I learned my ability to cultivate a gratitude practice is like tending to a garden of positivity within our hearts.
When I felt my heart going in the direction of being overwhelmed with the long list of what I did not have, I took pause, took a few deep breaths and think of the things I was thankful for. To both write down and speak out loud my gratitude caused me to be grounded. The blessing of even rising each morning, laughter and continued memories with my friends and loved ones became the building blocks of resilience.
Grief, on the other hand, will knock on every door at some point in our lives. It may arrive in the form of loss, disappointment, or unmet expectations. Rather than pushing it away, living between gratitude and grief requires us to invite grief in, acknowledging its presence and allowing ourselves to feel the depth of our emotions.
Grieving is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our capacity for love and connection. It is a process that demands patience and self-compassion. Seeking support through prayer, support from friends, family, or professional counselors can provide a safe space for expressing and navigating the complex emotions that grief brings.
Finding the balance as well as living between gratitude and grief has been such a hard journey for me. It is an ongoing practice that involves self-awareness and acceptance. Just as a tightrope walker adjusts their stance to maintain balance, we too must adapt to the ever-changing landscape of our emotions.
One key aspect of this balancing act is understanding that gratitude and grief are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they often coexist, intertwining in unexpected ways. In moments of joy, there may be a twinge of sadness for those who are absent. Similarly, during times of grief, a glimmer of gratitude may emerge for the love and memories shared.
Living between gratitude and grief offers valuable lessons in resilience. It is through adversity that we discover the depth of our strength and the power of our spirit to endure. Rather than viewing challenges as obstacles, we can choose to see them as opportunities for growth and transformation.
As we navigate the complexities of living between gratitude and grief, let us remember that it's not about escaping one emotion for the other but finding harmony in their coexistence. In embracing both the light and the shadows, we discover the richness of our human experience and the profound beauty that emerges from the intertwining of joy and sorrow.