Times of trouble can make it more difficult to find gratitude in your heart. They can make you turn to anger or resentment. However, you can still show gratitude despite challenging issues in your life.

In my darkest days, the most simple of tasks became an insurmountable mountain, I could not see how lucky I was until I discovered the power of gratitude and started to keep a gratitude journal every night.

If challenging times are affecting your ability to see gratitude, consider these ideas:

1. Search for the positive.

You may be going through a stressful or difficult period, but it shouldn’t stop you from seeing positive things.

○ What are the positive areas in your life that aren’t being affected by your current challenges? Do you still have your home and health? Do you still have something to eat every day?

○ By focusing on the positive aspects of your life, you’ll find areas in which you can still feel thankful.

2. Treasure the small details.

It’s easy to lose sight of the small details if you’re overwhelmed by a difficult situation at home or work. However, you'll welcome gratitude back if you learn to treasure the details.

○ Are you happy with a new paint color at home? Are you proud of a small project at work? Did you finish a long book? These small details can make a big difference in your gratitude levels.

○ You can show appreciation for the little things by listing everything that needs your love.

3. Search for joy.

It’s important to add joy to your daily schedule. Watch a comedy, read a comic book, or share jokes with friends. Add laughter to your routine.

○ Laughter can help you notice the areas that need gratitude.

○ Joy can help you feel appreciation toward your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.

4. Put your pain in perspective.

Make it a point to avoid getting lost in the negative emotions of your challenges by looking at others.

○ If you can put your pain in perspective, you’ll discover that others have even more challenges than you. If you’re worried about your house, job, or health, think about those who have even less.

○ Perspective can help you understand that everyone faces difficult challenges. You’re not alone and can still feel grateful for other things in your life.

5. Understand the power of change.

Change is a regular part of existence, but when you’re struggling, you might feel your life will never change.

○ Remind yourself that changes occur constantly, and change can lead to gratitude.

○ You can show gratitude by recognizing that changes occur and can lead to better things. If you feel trapped and stagnant, remember that transformation is possible. It may take time, friends, effort, and perseverance, but you’ll get past your difficult situation.

6. Embrace the Strength Within

Challenging times can serve as an opportunity to tap into your inner reservoir of strength and resilience, which can be a source of gratitude.

○ Recognize the strength you’ve displayed in overcoming past difficulties. Reflect on the times you’ve faced adversity and emerged stronger and wiser.

○ Embrace the challenges as opportunities for personal growth. Even though the path might be tough, each obstacle you overcome contributes to your development.

○ Show gratitude for the resilience that resides within you. Your ability to endure and adapt is a testament to your inner power.

By acknowledging and appreciating your strength during tough times, you can find a unique form of gratitude that helps you navigate the challenges and propels you forward with a renewed sense of purpose and thankfulness. Remember that within you lies the capacity to overcome, learn, and grow, which is something to be grateful for.

Your ability to find gratitude doesn’t have to be limited during challenges. Search for the positive areas in your life, even as you struggle in other areas. Remember that you’re not alone and that everything changes. Soon, you’ll feel the gratitude you seem to have lost.

Join us in my community to share what you are grateful for today, and download my free course: First Steps to Freedom: Starting Your Social Anxiety Recovery

This free course has been specially designed to provide you with various free resources to help you understand, manage and overcome social anxiety.