By Maurice Carroll
None of us make it out of life without experiencing some stress. Let’s face it, stress is one of those human traits that crosses all boundaries of faith, nationality, gender and age. There are studies dedicated to defining it and others dedicated to finding and sharing treatments for it.
As African Americans, it isn’t a far reach to find demanding circumstances or mental or emotional strain. Stress is like another house-hold staple that is always present. This holiday season, though it might be challenging to acknowledge reasons to be grateful, it’s not impossible.
Are there outlets to help you navigate being grateful during stressful times? Of course. Absolutely! But the question becomes “Are most of us actively seeking out resources or are we staying comfortable in our cycle of anxiety, depression and complaints?” If you are Team “latter example,” you can admit it and at least be aware that you’re not the only one who gets stuck in that cycle. The paradox that I’ve learned to be helpful is something that you’ve probably heard before. That is “two things can be true at the same time.” You can experience stress, anxiety or depression and still find reasons to be grateful.
They say “every cloud has a silver lining.” It sounds cliche, but at its core meaning is something that we often overlook when we are in our stressful moments. Yes, sometimes life or situations may feel hopeless. Sometimes it may feel like you are buried under the weight of it all. Still, it is also true that, in those moments, there is something you can be grateful for.
Here are two easy to remember practices that you can think about when you are struggling to be grateful during stressful times.
First, stress isn’t the problem– your judgement of it is.
Viewing stress as a challenge and not as a threat, releases your perspective to shift into options vs. stagnation. Once you apply this technique, you’ll want to move forward.
Second, whatever you say, goes. Across many religions and spiritual practices you will find teachings about the power of words so start changing by simply saying and describing what you want to be vs what you are going though.
Gratitude doesn’t erase the stress, it reframes it. It reminds you that while you may not be able to control the storm, you can decide to seek shelter as it passes. So, the next time stress shows up, don’t just react. Respond with gratitude and notice the difference.