The Gratitude Gap™ occurs when we show lack to no appreciation for the challenges, problems and pain that comes into our lives.
The Gratitude Gap™ takes place whenever we show a lack of appreciation.
* Lack of appreciation for things ... great or small;
* Lack of appreciation of the painful things;
* Lack of appreciation for anything and/or anyone we may dislike or causes us pain.
The Gratitude Gap™ isn't about liking or loving everything and everyone. It's about showing appreciation for the gifts EVERYONE and EVERYTHING brings into our lives. Situations, words and deeds that enrich us in ways we never believed possible. No matter how painless or how painful they may be.
Bottom line... The Gratitude Gap™ is about being thankful for every single opportunity to learn and to grow past our own short-comings.
Gratitude strengthens our emotional, mental and spiritual muscle. Whereas, The Gratitude Gap™ creates a weaken state within our selves on every level of being. When we have a Gratitude Gap, we are left vulnerable to the challenges that come our way.
By showing gratitude for any challenges, you build stronger 'muscles' that can help you get through the toughest situations.
No, it isn't easy being thankful for pain. No one said it would be. But the more you do it, during the times it is happening to you ... you will soon discover how smoother it is to get past those little annoyances that come your way.
You Don't Miss The Water 'Til The Well Runs Dry"
How quick we are to accept the good that comes our way. How quick we are to call it our blessing when everything is going smoothly.
How quickly we forget the priceless gift our painful experiences are.
Be honest with yourself. Where would you be without your painful experiences? What kind of person would you be in this moment ... without them?
Many believe they would have had a better and happier life if only ... if only there hadn't been so much pain -- so many hardships -- so many "road-blocks" in their lives.
What the majority fail to understand is this: Our hardships and pain help mold us and nourish us just as much as the goodness and the joy does.
As a race, human experiencers are wired to come into a true appreciation only when something and/or someone is no longer available or 'something' has been withheld. Sad, but true.
We have left many clues for ourselves to remind us of this. Clues that can be found through our 'sayings' ... such as 'the forbidden fruit' is more desirable, 'you don't miss the water 'til the well runs dry', 'the grass is always greener on the other side.' These are only a few ... can you name others?
In truth, there are people and situations that drive us absolutely insane! There are people in our lives we would love to see just disappear entirely. I have a list of those types of people myself! But if you were to step back and really see past the irritations, aggravations, annoyances and hardships ... I would be willing to bet that you would see how much you have learned from it all. How much you have grown as a person.
Take a few moments and see for yourself the valuable lessons these annoying situations and irritating people have brought into your life. Express your gratitude for the opportunities it gave you to grow up emotionally, mentally and most importantly... spiritually.
Communicate, Appreciate and Validate
Take a moment, each and every day, to Communicate your Appreciation for all those who have help you grow! No matter how insignificant you think/believe it is, no matter how painful it may be, Validate those (including situations) who have come into your life, who took the time and energy in giving you that much needed growth spurt!
Notice the difference in your own energy when you do this. See how much lighter you become. How much stronger you feel.
Take stock in how far you have come because of --and in spite of-- those people and situations.
In doing so ... you will close The Gratitude Gap™.
A Simple "Thank You" goes a LONG way!
But don't take my word for it!
Try it Your Self!
