You are not ungrateful because you are sad.
You are not ungrateful because you are lonely or want to be alone.
You are not ungrateful because the future looks frightening or you feel lost today.
You are not ungrateful because you can't take your eyes off the suffering.
You are not ungrateful because you long for the life you once had or the life you thought you would have.
You are not ungrateful if you are mourning.
You are not ungrateful if you are smothered by grief.
You are not ungrateful if you are disillusioned and confused.
Raw, beautiful gratitude is not absolute, nor does it require perfection.
It is not a meditation on what's picture-perfect.
It is more nuanced and has more layers than the emotion itself.
Gratitude is not the absence of pain but the recognition of beauty amidst it. It coexists with sorrow, allowing us to acknowledge our struggles while still appreciating the moments of light. In times of grief and uncertainty, it's natural to feel overwhelmed, to question, to mourn the futures we envisioned.
These emotions do not negate our capacity for gratitude; they enrich it, adding depth to our appreciation for the resilience we discover within ourselves and the compassion we extend to others.
As we navigate these complex feelings, let us remember that gratitude is not a demand for constant positivity. It's an invitation to embrace the full spectrum of our experiences, to find grace in our imperfections, and to honor the journey, no matter how tumultuous. In doing so, we cultivate a more authentic and profound sense of gratitude, one that acknowledges the shadows and celebrates the light.
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