Gratitude (12)

Dear Warriors. Gratitude is the Antidote to Bitterness

Here we are, pushing on through gratitude and onto Christmas. I think this might be an appropriate post as we start thinking of family gathering and the gift giving and all that goes with it. I can only assume that there are families out there who are like mine who have tension and resentment and not sure why but its amplified over the holidays. Bitterness seems to grow through the tension and holidays can often feel a burden and painful.

I struggled with some people in my family. They were the "laws" (parents-in-law, brother-in-law, etc). And because they were the laws I thought I had every right to have struggle. They did me wrong, somehow. And because thats what I thought, thats all they did. For years, our family gatherings were tense and I would do about anything to get out of them, but I had to squirm through them. Yuck. And years of yuck. What a hold that had on my life. I was sinking in a black hole of resentment and bitterness. I didn't want to sink anymore so I overcame my pride and forgave them by asking them to forgive me. And instantly I felt so light and free. If forgiveness feels this good, I never want to be angry and resentful anymore.

But I didn't know how to keep that feeling - that lightness - until I started daily practicing gratitude. Anger can rear its ugly head and the best way to battle it is gratitude. So, its best to have your armor of gratitude at the ready.

The other day I was jealous, sad and lonely after I saw a Facebook post my mom posted "bragging" about my sister. How proud they were of her. Instantly, I was bitter and resentful.

BUT...BUT...because of a gratitude challenge like this I was able to CHOOSE in that moment to be grateful. I did a U-turn and started to write down all the reasons I have to be proud of my sister too, how grateful I am for her and her talents, how grateful I am to have parents that who recognize their children and say so to the world. My heart changed in an instant and I saw the beauty of my family and bitterness had no place in my heart.

So, as the holidays draw near I ask you - are you feeling tense about them? Is there any bitterness? For the people you are most NOT wanting to see, what can you be grateful for in them right now? Could you fill a page of what good they have? Their talents? Their love? Can you be grateful for them? Can you melt away bitterness this year? Can you bring peace to your family and to your heart?

I am grateful for the antidote. It has healed me and my family. I wish this Christmas for the same for yours.

Gratefully yours,

Becky