Yup, I admit – I’ve hit the gratitude bandwagon pretty hard. I have learned that not only will a grateful attitude help during a physical setback, but it is essential. Why? It’s pretty simple, actually. It makes you appreciate what you have (and what you can do) rather than what you don’t have (and what you can’t do). That’s it…really. It shifts your focus. Focus on what’s good, and you move towards more good.
Focus on the bad, and you move toward more bad. It’s not really rocket science, but it’s still not easy—especially when your back hurts and you can’t do any at the moment. If you’re having trouble feeling grateful at the moment, here’s some inspiration that helped me:
Gratitude Change Your Life
But it’s not just about “forcing yourself” to be a positive person when you feel like crap. It’s a monumental shift in focus that moves you from living in a state of lack, to living in a state of sheer abundance; and yes, even when your back hurts.
It instills the belief that you’re thankful for what you have, right now, in this present moment, rather than worrying about what you don’t have (or won’t have at some future point in time). In fact, it is in THIS moment, right now, when you have the most to gain by a grateful perspective on life. In the face of hopelessness gratitude has the power to energize, heal, and inspire. Truly, a grateful heart, can become the best habit you’ll ever form.
Gratitude Makes Your Glass Half Full
Now…don’t get me wrong. I always struggled with the “glass half empty” perspective throughout my life, and I am not suggesting that gratitude will come easily or naturally during a back injury. We cannot easily will ourselves to feel grateful…the thoughts we have about the way things should be are not within our control.
However, having gratitude breathes positivity into all of your events and circumstances. It reminds you that whatever it is that you’re going through, it will pass, and on the other end you’ll emerge victorious. You’ll accomplish your goals, overcome your obstacles, and become a better person, who is not only going to kick this back injury’s ass—but you will also help other kick this very same injury’s ass someday.
Gratitude Makes You a Big Picture Thinker
Physical, mental, and spiritual strength can all be derived from the simple and basic behavior of gratitude. You’re the sum of all these parts, and it’s gratitude that can help to benefit each of these parts. However, being grateful is a choice, and when disaster like a back injury strikes, gratitude provides a perspective from which we can view life in its entirety, and not be overwhelmed by temporary circumstances.
There’s an inner, big picture belief that develops when you’re truly grateful for things. It provides the peace and stillness you need to get out of the weeds, and on to the horizon.
Simple Tips for Getting Started With a Simple Gratitude Practice
Now that you know why gratitude is so important when your back hurts, here are some simple strategies that helped me transform from a miserable “patient,” to a grateful breath of fresh air.
- Don’t be picky: Gratitude doesn’t have to be saved for the “big” things in life. The habit of being grateful starts with appreciating every good thing in life, no matter how seemingly small it may seem. I’ll throw you a bone to get started: you have eyes to see this blog post!
- Practice: Sit down daily and think through five to ten things you are grateful for—studies have shown that persistence with your gratitude practice permanently changes brain patterns that lead to greater empathy and happiness.
- Write it down: After your practice session, write down your positive thoughts! Keeping a journal of all of the things you are thankful for can help you keep track of these positive thoughts. While you are putting the pen to paper, you have no choice but to consciously think about the words you are writing without other distracting, ungrateful thoughts.
Yes, a thankful perspective is hard to achieve—but with practice, you can go from self-doubting cynic, to a positive thinker who is fueled by what is, rather than what isn’t.
You’ve got this, and I’ve got your back (no pun intended)!
Xo,
Christa D.