As I sat with my thoughts today, reflecting on what I’m thankful for, a fellow shaman shared a profound reminder: not all moments in life feel worthy of gratitude—at least, not at first. Think about those humbling experiences—a car accident, a painful kitchen mishap, a fall that sends you to the ER, or even losing a job. In those moments, gratitude is often the furthest thing from our minds.
But shamans are taught to see beyond the surface of such events, viewing them not as misfortunes but as opportunities, even gifts. You might wonder, How could this possibly be true?
Life’s challenges often serve as a wake-up call. A serious accident, for example, might push you to reevaluate your path. It might force you to summon the courage to embrace the unknown—a courage you never realized you had until faced with the possibility of losing everything. Such moments urge us to ask ourselves hard questions: What pain or pattern have I been running toward that has now manifested physically? What is the universe, or God, or a higher force trying to teach me through this experience?
Take the loss of a job. At first, it feels like the rug has been pulled out from under you. You might feel defeated, even victimized. But in time, you may see the silver lining: the freedom to pursue a new career, create a healthier schedule, or finally spend more time with loved ones. Sometimes, a financial setback inspires family members to come together, sharing the load in new and meaningful ways.
The truth is, life’s challenges shape us in ways comfort never could. They test our resilience, pushing us to grow stronger and wiser. Without these moments of difficulty, we might never discover the depths of our strength or the clarity that adversity can bring.
So, as we gather this Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to be grateful not only for the obvious blessings—the joy, the abundance, the love—but also for the challenges that have shaped us. These are the experiences that deepen our perspective, reminding us of what truly matters and guiding us toward the lives we’re meant to live.
Here’s to gratitude for all of life’s moments—the good, the difficult, and the transformative.
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