On seeing things another way (From Watford Observer)

By Catriona Reid

12:37pm Wednesday 17th June 2009 in Connections By Sarah Cavan

On seeing things another way.

‘Sincere gratitude empowers you to focus on the positive aspects of life, and develops a greater awareness and appreciation of the overlooked, often misinterpreted, and ever so important little blessings that make up the experience we call life.’ - C. Danes Gratefulness. It's so simple and yet so easy to forget when we've had a hard day, or if we're feeling generally a bit miserable, or if things are really not going our way. It is easy to be courteous and grateful when the sun is shining, you are on time, and everyone in your life is working perfectly to the way you would like them to. It is not so easy when you’ve burnt your toast, you’ve fought with your housemates and a car has deliberately run through a puddle at the side of the road to soak you.

Inspired, as usual, by a bunch of 11 year olds I wrote a list of seeing things in a different way. Being grateful for rubbish things, because actually there may well be some hope in that situation that I am overlooking.

I am grateful that my laptop is broken, because it means I had the money to buy one in the first place and means I spend time with people asking if I can borrow theirs.

I am grateful that I am tired because it means I have had a full day.

I am grateful that I have no idea what I am doing or where I’m living in 3 weeks, because it means I have a world of possibilities.

I am grateful that my legs are aching, because it means I am capable of walking.

I am grateful that I'm currently waiting for the bathroom, because it means that I have running water and people to share a house with.

I am grateful that I could do with losing a few pounds, because it means I have more than enough food.

I am grateful that I fight with my family sometimes, because it means I have a family.

I am grateful that I never really have had enough money to buy everything I want, because it teaches me about working hard for what I really love.

It definitely starts changing the way you view things once you start looking past each hardship. I am more than convinced that nothing is ever too dark for there to be a tiny speck of light alive and burning there. I encourage and challenge you to find it and embrace it.

Cat is an intern with Presence and she is lent to us a day a week where she works on our schools work team and is our regular blogger