Cultivating Gratitude with Cancer

Cultivating Gratitude with Cancer. “In the face of demoralization, gratitude has the power to energize. In the face of brokenness, gratitude has the power to heal. In the face of despair, gratitude has the power to bring hope. In other words, gratitude can help us cope with hard times.” ― Robert Emmons

Before I became a Christian I didn’t really think much about the power of gratitude and thankfulness. I walked life pretty much reacting to my emotions and my circumstances. I didn’t think twice about being grateful if my situation wasn’t ideal or as I expected. Don’t take me wrong I’ve been grateful for so many wonderful events in my life but I didn’t understand that gratitude is a daily choice of a state of mind. Gratitude heals, energizes and transforms lives. 

It is hard to imagine to be grateful when you receive a cancer diagnosis. However, I’ve personally experienced the benefits of this practice and discovered how healing and transforming it has been in my life. In the face of dealing with cancer, I encourage myself and others to make the conscious decision to gain perspective and look at your circumstances from a higher level. To allow ourselves to operate from a spiritual place where you ordain your mind, your heart, your spirit to align with the heart and will of God by viewing your situation from His perspective and not ours.

I know it is easier said than done but I must once again invite you to feel grateful during your cancer healing process, as it is an amazing opportunity for personal growth. I’ve witnessed the devastating effects of cancer and how it has robbed the joy of many people. I’ve also witnessed how many cancer patients have chosen to take this life-altering experience into an opportunity for reevaluating priorities, take control of their health, set and achieve new goals and gain a new purpose in life. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, “cancer is an invitation to live again.”

Practicing gratitude can help you gain resilience in the face of stress and crisis. Research shows that practicing gratitude on a daily basis can impact your well-being in a very positive way. It can also contribute to the building of better relationships and gain perspective for new opportunities.

Here are a few ideas to get you started in practicing gratitude:

• Create a Gratitude Journal and include things you are grateful for on a daily basis.
• Tell others around you what you appreciate about them.
• Be mindful and spend time in prayer. Thanking the Lord for healing you.
• Visualize your future in health and wholeness. Be grateful for the blessings ahead.
• Write a thank you letter/note.
• Tell yourself you are grateful for you and celebrate your progress.

I hope you find this “Gratitude Blog Post” helpful, I am grateful for sharing it with you. Please share with me in the comments box what you are grateful for. I am going to leave you with this quote I just love. God bless!

“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.” – Amy Collette