Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Calming Gratitude


--by kjoyw, posted Jul 26, 2017
As I was on my way up to see my father yesterday, I found myself getting a bit anxious. It was the first time I was going to see him since he moved to a different room in an assisted living facility on Monday. I was not sure what to expect. So I decided to interrupt my anxiety with some gratitude.

I was so grateful that the move had finally happened. By all accounts, he had been through a rough couple of days, but he was beginning to settle in, and I was so grateful for that, too. Doing that preemptive gratitude really helped me to stop that feeling of uncertainty and it made it easier to proceed. I decided that I would just accept whatever awaited me with more gratitude and deal with it as best as I could.

It turned out that I had a lovely visit! My dad was calm and peacefully resting in bed. The kind folks at his facility had moved everything, put all his things away, re-hung the photos and paintings, and even fixed a wall clock and re-hung it for Dad. The room looked very much like his old one, and he never mentioned the move, so I didn't mention it either. He mostly talked about his family. He loves us all so much, and we all dearly love him as well.

I went from focusing on anxiety to focusing on acceptance and love! Practicing gratitude really can change your focus; it can change your experiences; it can change everything!
 
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Readers Comments

michelelpurce wrote: So glad to hear his move went well. I will keep him in prayers that it continues to be a peaceful time for him. What great love your family has. :)
pyronik wrote: great stuff! Glad it worked out, gratitude's your friend (((kjoyw)))
Lilijourney wrote: Blessings on your journey into the twillight years with your Dad.
ms_joy wrote: Indeed, a change of perspective changes everything! :)
Alisamom wrote: What a great job controlling your thoughts!!! Glad to hear you had a good visit :)
Mish wrote: Excellent, Kate! You shifted gears beautifully. Proud of you.
horsegirl21 wrote: wow! that`s great that you were able to change your focus. Hope the new room goes well for your dad.
splain wrote: You did so well. He didn't even notice he was in a new room!!!!!. So pleased it worked out well for both of you.
Rajni wrote: Gratitude is the best attitude...
Annabella wrote: My thoughts, love and prayers for you and your Daddy. I'm so glad the move went. <3 <3 <3

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