EP376: Special Episode - Bittersweet Thanks: Navigating Gratitude in Times of Hardship and Uncertainty

<b>I</b>n this episode, I dive into the difficulty of finding gratitude and thankfulness during times of hardship. I acknowledge the various losses that you may experience, whether it be of people, places, things, finances, or health, and recognize that it can be challenging to find things to be thankful for in these situations. <br /><br />Throughout the episode, I emphasize the importance of recognizing that everyone's reality is different. I caution against comparing your own struggles to the highlight reels of others, as it can be detrimental. Instead, I encourage you to find something beautiful even in the midst of grief, trauma, uncertainty, and fear. This could be as small as a glimmer of hope, which has the power to raise your frequency and set positive change in motion. <br /><br />I also talk about the significance of finding gratitude and thankfulness, even when it feels challenging. It may be difficult to cultivate these feelings, but it is necessary to do so. This episode also clarifies that gratitude and thankfulness do not excuse or negate the hardships someone may face. It is about finding a balance between acknowledging the difficulties and finding something to be grateful for.<br /><br />It is okay to feel both gratitude and sadness simultaneously. Comparing one's struggles to others and shaming yourself for feeling sad because others have it worse is unhelpful. The episode warns that this self-shaming can keep a person stuck and have deeper consequences. Instead, you are encouraged to honor your own personal reality and the experiences.<br /><br /><b>Connect with Tracy:</b><br />Tracy’s Website<a href="http://tracyomalley.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> http://tracyomalley.com/</a> <br />Tracy on Instagram<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tracy_omalley/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.instagram.com/tracy_omalley/</a> <br />Tracy on Facebook<a href="https://www.facebook.com/tracy.omalley" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> https://www.facebook.co