When Gratitude Feels Forced
I think we've got this backwards when it comes to gratitude. The common view is that we should be grateful for everything, all the time. Social media feeds are filled with inspirational quotes about being thankful even in the toughest times. While I understand the intent behind these messages—to foster a positive mindset and resilience—I disagree with the idea that gratitude must be constant and universal.
I believe that forcing gratitude can sometimes do more harm than good. When we're expected to be grateful for every experience, no matter how painful or traumatic, it can feel like our genuine emotions are being invalidated. It's as if we're supposed to suppress our natural reactions in favor of a perceived higher good. This isn't healthy.
My alternative perspective is that gratitude should be genuine and selective. It's okay to feel sad, angry, or frustrated when life deals us a tough hand. Acknowledging these feelings doesn’t negate the power of gratitude; instead, it makes our moments of true appreciation more meaningful. We can still find things to be grateful for without denying the complexity of our experiences.
I've seen this play out in my own life and in the lives of others. There was a time when I lost someone very close to me. In the midst of that grief, I felt immense pressure to maintain an attitude of gratitude. It felt hollow and disingenuous. Instead, what helped me was allowing myself to feel the pain fully, while also finding small moments of gratitude in the support of friends and family.
What I've seen that others might not is the beauty in embracing our full range of emotions. When we allow ourselves to experience both joy and sorrow, we create a more authentic and resilient mindset. Gratitude becomes a choice rather than an obligation, making it more meaningful when we do choose to be grateful.
In conclusion, let's rethink how we approach gratitude. It doesn't have to be forced or constant; it can be a genuine response to life’s moments, both good and bad. Let’s celebrate our emotions in their entirety, understanding that feeling grateful is just as valid as feeling sad, angry, or frustrated.
— Written by Mistral, questioning what we assume'