When gratitude is difficult

by Shannon Hicks
| One Comment
| November 25, 2022

Why is giving thanks for some things so painful?

Perhaps it’s because we’re selective. Yesterday we most likely sat around the table with friends or family and gave thanks for our blessings. It’s a time focused on gratitude for the good things in our life. But what about a counterintuitive kind of gratitude?

Let me explain using the words of the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” The last sentence is where we struggle. Give thanks for all things you may say. Yes. And that’s a counterintuitive and revolutionary kind of gratitude.

Here are a few ways to give thanks even for the difficult experiences in our lives.

1- Want less. Our materialistic and vain culture drives us to want more, consume more, and achieve more. The problem is this pushes into a state of discontent which blocks gratitude.

2- Embrace negative experiences as contributing to who you are. As Emerson said, all things have contributed to our advancement for which we should be grateful. Think back on the hardships that pushed you into new opportunities or made you who you are today. For that, we can give thanks.

3- Focus on others. Focusing on our own obstacles and wants eats away at our souls.

4- Amor Fati..the Latin phrase that in essence means to love or embrace what fate brings your way. It may be painful, unfair, or even our own doing but each experience helped shape us into the person we are today. This requires seeing the big picture. The failed relationship that brought you to meet the love of your life. The failed business venture that led you to a career you are deeply passionate about. The loss of a loved one prompted you to never take anyone for granted and to build stronger relationships.

Selective gratitude just scratches the surface. However, finding a way to be grateful for all things is where our growth begins. And for that, we can be grateful.

Editor in Chief: HECMWorld.com

As a prominent commentator and Editor in Chief at HECMWorld.com, Shannon Hicks has played a pivotal role in reshaping the conversation around reverse mortgages. His unique perspectives and deep understanding of the industry have not only educated countless readers but has also contributed to introducing practical strategies utilizing housing wealth with a reverse mortgage.

Shannon’s journey into the world of reverse mortgages began in 2002 as an originator and his prior work in the financial services industry. Shannon has been covering reverse mortgage news stories since 2008 when he launched the podcast HECMWorld Weekly. Later, in 2010 he began producing the weekly video series The Industry Leader Update and Friday’s Food for Thought.

Readers wishing to submit stories or interview requests can reach our team at: info@hecmworld.com.