Giving Thanks For Your
Least Favorite Experiences

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Published by Rachelle Disbennett-Lee
Tuesday, January 22, 2002
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We know how important it is to give thanks for the blessings in our life. An attitude of gratitude fosters a sense of appreciation in a person. When we are thankful for what we have, we open up the space for more good things to come into our lives. What about those things that aren't so wonderful? Who in their right mind would be grateful for those?

I have noticed that often the things that have been the most unpleasant or most difficult for me have been the very things that have taught me the greatest lessons. I find myself giving thanks for every bad boss I ever had. Each one has taught me something about myself, and how to handle difficult people. I would not have this information had I not had the experience. Every person that has ever put me down or told me I couldn't do something has only spurred me on to do what even I wasn't sure I could do. The most painful moments in my life have become the ones that have shaped me the most. For that, I am grateful.

I am not saying that we should search out difficult experiences. Actually there is no need because they will find us. What I am saying is that to get the most out of the situation we need to re-frame it. Instead of looking at just the negative, look at what positive things the situation taught you. Once we begin to see that there was a positive outcome, we can let go of the pain and learn from the experience.

Coaching

I am grateful for every experience in my life, be it pleasant or not so pleasant. Each experience has helped to shape me into the person I am today. If I had not had each experience, I would be someone different.

When we realize how important each experience is to becoming who we are, we can be thankful for all the experiences we have ever had. Embracing the good with the not so good is a way to create a sense of harmony and peace in our lives.

Make a list of everything that has had an impact on you. Once the list is completed, notice how each event, be it positive or negative, has shaped your life. You would not be the person you are today without each of those experiences.

What, least favorite thing, can you be grateful for today?

Daily Success Formula

The sum of all your experiences = The person you are today

Quotes

"You can't let one bad moment spoil a bunch of good ones." Dale Earnhardt