A concept that is taught to most of us early on is how to be thankful. We are taught to be thankful for others and the nice things they may say and do. We are taught to be thankful for blessings and new opportunities. However, sometimes positivity and prosperity are not the only things we can be thankful for. 

I know I sound crazy, because why would anyone be glad to go through hard times. The institution of chaos and suffering doesn’t really seem like the place one finds themselves proud to attend. But what most people don’t understand is that the line between good and bad is made a little clearer by our thoughts. 

What I mean is that outlook, understanding, and response to a situation are ultimately manipulated by our thoughts. If we are going through a hardship yet we manifest positivity through our thoughts and outlook on the situation, then the situation becomes a little more manageable and the heaviness of it begins to fade a bit. 

Good bad or indifferent it does us well to be thankful for every situation we are able to see the resolution of. Be thankful for the pressure. Be thankful for the lesson. And finally, be thankful for your growth. 

Thankful for the Pressure

Eventually each and every one of us will experience a difficult situation. Some more frequent and severe than others. However, one underlining truth is that no matter the situation there is always a chance for growth in our pain and suffering. Even when it seems like the problems just won’t go away. 

Some of us deal with confusion and misfortune seemingly so frequently that we find ourselves discouraged and overwhelmed. To some, every step forward is two steps back in a manner of speaking. Now what if I told you that yes you may be under a lot of pressure but it’s because you are stronger than even you knew you were. 

One of the realest things I ever came to understand is that life doesn’t care what you are going through. You see when my lady died, and I found myself broken and unsure life didn’t wait for me to get alright. I had to learn to navigate this new uncomfortable reality on top of the actual reality I was living in. 

I remember one day I was going through a lot, and I was doing my best to maintain. I had a conversation with a lady who would go on to explain to me how I have so much greatness in me, and that the enemy doesn’t rob empty houses. This made me feel better and I took some time to get a better understanding of what I believed it meant. 

Basically, to sum it up life under pressure sees you grow and gives you more to show sow and bestow. So, for that I am thankful for the pressure.

Thankful for the Lesson

They say knowledge is power and power comes in many forms and fashion. With each new challenge comes an even greater lesson. Although sometimes uncomfortably ambiguous the lessons of our storm hold the key to make it through various storms throughout our lives and other people’s lives as well. 

It is a crazy thing because sometimes we go through whole character arch’s just so we can acquire a level of understanding for a situation that will bring someone else into a place of peace. Our storms often provide currents that are meant to bring you new avenues by which you may experience growth and change. 

For a while there it was uncomfortable for me to really get into the depths of the storm I was going through. However, I have done my best to pay attention to what lessons were being taught through this particular situation. The lesson that I learned was that no matter what you go through never neglect yourself. I had lost sight of me many years ago and it would see me slowly become something I didn’t recognize. 

Well thankfully I went through this storm I’m in where losing a collection of people I loved made me realize the value in loving myself. I have established a new sense of self-worth which I use to help others do the same. So, although not always plain to see I am thankful for the lessons. 

Thankful for the Growth

After everything that has happened to you in life it is impossible for you to stay the same. I like to think that everything you have done or been through is just another part of the masterpiece that is you. The recognition of the pressure of your situation and the understanding of its purpose and importance results in your growth. 

Realizing your growth may not be glamorous or exciting but that it is uncontested and undeniable is a key factor in the process of growth. A lot of us get caught up on the appearance of our growth basically what others may see on the surface. Where it is the internal foundation that matters the most. Things like outlook and your mental and emotional strength. 

A lot has changed for me these last couple of years. I have seen slight changes in my physical appearance but what stands out more than that is the changes to my mental and emotional state. The growth that has taken place in my life has seen my core internal foundation be restored and solidified by the uncomfortable pressure of my situation. 

It wasn’t pretty neither did it feel good but to say it wasn’t worth every second would be speaking a lie. The rain from my current storm has succeeded in producing the best version of me that I’ve seen in a long time and for that I am thankful for the growth. 

In Closing

When trekking through life and you come to a pitfall or hurdle and you manage to see your way through it, be thankful. Whether positive or negative there is always something to be thankful for. Be thankful for the pressure as this builds strength resilience and fortitude. Be thankful for the lessons as these breed wisdom knowledge and understanding. And finally, be thankful for the growth as this showcases a new and improved you. No matter how much you may suffer or how much you may grow be thankful for your journey and all you’ve come to know. Go forward and be blessed. You Got This!!!

Thinking Thankfully video: https://youtu.be/lnTAWJ6XO88