There is a small store in a town in northern Indiana called A Thankful Heart. My mom, sister, and I have visited many times throughout the years. It is a tiny space, but a comforting coziness oozes out of this place.
We never really buy much there, but each time we go it feels like a warm hug. It is like stepping into a different world for a few minutes. It is a deep breath from the outside world.
It is a reminder to take a moment to regroup and recenter.
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, it is a popular time of reflection for all in our lives that we must be thankful for.
Many of you reading this may be dealing with some difficult life circumstances right now. It may feel like there is nothing in the world to be thankful for. I have those moments too.
In fact, I used to live comfortably in the world of unthankfulness. I had a chip on my shoulder, cursing the hand life had “dealt” me every chance I got. It was easier to look at things that way.
Even if I tried to live thankfully, it did not take much to throw my hands in the air, and say, “See, things really do stink for me.”
To be honest, it would still be easier to live with an unthankful heart. Things have always felt physically difficult and exhausting. As I get older, that is just more magnified. An aging body, combined with existing muscle disease, are double teaming to take me down.
What I have learned over the last few years since consciously practicing thankfulness is that I am no longer fighting against myself. I have enough not in my favor. Why would I add a disgruntled attitude to the mix? I was hurting myself.
We hear stories about people living in some of life’s worst circumstances of unimaginable pain and suffering, yet somehow, they still find something to be thankful for in their lives. Each time I hear a story like that, it encourages me. I can do this too.
Even when life feels crushing and scary times lie ahead, we can find peace within ourselves. We, too, can create that warm, comforting space to retreat to.
Maybe you are practicing gratitude or finding simple joy in the smallest of things. A warm cup of coffee along with the comforting glow of a candle, a phone call from a college-age kid, a text from a parent, a hot shower.
Whatever it may be, we all have the ability to find a thankful heart somewhere within ourselves.
For some of us, at this moment, it may be difficult and even make us feel a little angry that the world expects us to find thankfulness in our painful life circumstances. That can feel unfair.
I learned long ago that life is not fair. It will never be fair. That took a long time for me to accept and not live with a bitter heart.
A bitter heart cultivates rot inside of you. A thankful heart cultivates a string of gratitude and is contagious. Once I crossed the hump to the other side, it became easier to find things to be grateful for.
We are gardeners of our hearts. Each time we practice gratitude a new seed is planted, and our garden weeded … removing the bitterness and anger one weed at a time.
Now, I crave those moments where I take time to be thankful for the blessings in my life. I like living in the space of my own thankful heart. It is a warm, comforting place to be.
Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for all those who take time to read my column.
Until next time…
Amy Shinneman is a former National Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, disability blogger, freelance writer, wife, and mom of two boys. You can find her blog at humblycourageous.com and reach her on Instagram @ashinneman.