Having spent two scores on Earth, I know from experience that life’s manual is not built to be easy by default. Yes, some may get more free rides than others now and again, but all of us have issues that we are battling with which does seem overwhelming at times.
For days, waves of anger and depression have lurked under the surface of my emotions and I have found myself snapping and breathing fire like a Dragon over minor issues at my family; as a matter of fact, after tossing and turning at night over the issues behind my mood, this morning during our quick prayer session, I had to apologise to my children for my snarling and snapping at them unnecessarily, because I not only have to be accountable for any bad behaviour on my part and the possibility that I hurt their feelings through my expressions, I equally have to teach them by example.
I could list loads of reasons behind my poor thoughts and depressed feelings at present and choose to marinate in them as well, but going down that track only creates more chaos, ill-feelings within me and most likely won’t resolve my challenges.
Would I wish that everything is in perfect shape? Yes! Of course. Is it ever going to be perfect? NO! The lesson that I have learnt over time is that by focusing on the small things that are not going as well as one wants, takes away the focus on all the blessings that we’ve received.
Sometimes we have to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and jumpstart our gratefulness. I had to start praising and expressing my gratefulness and not only did I feel a shift in my soul but calming answers dropped into my heart.
The power of praise uplifts and opens up the spirit while the spirit of gratitude takes little and turns into a lot. I enjoy listening to the renditions of “Women of Faith.”
© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha
There are several gratitude/thankful platforms in the blogosphere that you can tune into and get your ithankful going on. I can’t express in words the enormity of Joy and fulfilment that comes from having a heart of gratitude. Please check out Maria’s blog, Colline’s blog and Bernadette’s for thankful/gratitude challenges.
a cooking pot and twisted tales 
Hope you’re feeling more positive now, Jacqueline.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I am. Thank you Mick.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great post, Jackie. I admire you for being able to admit being wrong to your kids; it’s a very rare quality.
LikeLike
Thank you so much Anna. I think part of being a parent is that I am learning from the children and part of that is to admit my own fault when I am wrong.
LikeLike
Aww yes it does. Hope you are doing better now?
LikeLike
And your kids are lucky to have you
LikeLike
I am sorry that you are going through a bad patch dear Jacqueline but I rejoice that you remembered the magic of gratitude to change your outlook. This is a very nicely written and heartfelt post.
LikeLike
I’m glad to hear from your comments that you’re feeling a bit more like your usual self now, Jacqueline. Remembering to be grateful for what we have can certainly be a good way to get through a tough time. 🙂
LikeLike
I hope your l day is getting better. I feel like I need to start using a thank you journal again. I sometimes forget about the many blessings God has provided me.
LikeLike
Most important is balance in all things, my friend and you rock it. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I try to find the grace for each day. Thank you Roo 🙂
LikeLike
You are doing fine, sister.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another thought provoking post. Too often we forget that the perfect is the enemy of the good. “He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this quote. Thank you kind Sir. Have a great weekend 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve heard that said before, Rixlibris, “Like” that you remembered it in this application.
LikeLike