It can be challenging to feel a sense of gratitude when you are going through and recovering from trauma. I do want to clarify that I am not talking about being thankful that the trauma happened. But to remember that despite the trauma that we can find other things to be grateful for. No matter how small they are. Gratitude is a way to find the positivity and a want to keep moving forward.
Gratitude for Your Strength
It is important that you remember to express gratitude towards yourself. You have done some amazing things and you need to recognize your strength and bravery. You are creating or have created a better life for yourself. That is a big deal.
I forgot how big of a deal everything I have done was/is. That is until I read a letter I wrote myself. I wrote it the night that I packed up my belongings to run away and hadn’t read it. After opening it I realized that I was so very strong and that I’m capable of making my best life. More than anything I was so thankful to my past self for writing this letter so that I know now what I was thinking then.
Expressing Gratitude to Others and Things in Life
Finding and recognizing some of the things and people in your life that you are thankful for is key in moving forward. These things and people give you a reason to keep going. They are reminders that not everything is bad. It is important to find ways that you can recognize and demonstrate your gratitude
- Write letters to those you are thankful for
- Meditate on what you have gratitude for
- Make a list of what you are grateful for (from a sunny day to a favorite TV show, or a best friend/ family)
- Just say thank you!
In Conclusion
Just as important as it is to recognize your trauma and the validity of any feelings that come with that, it is also important to remember positive things outside of that. No matter what, there is something to find gratitude in. From yourself, to a support person, to a sunny day, or a place you enjoy going. Even though the trauma/s will be a part of you, so are these positive things.
