How I Learned to be Grateful for What I’ve Lost and What Never Arrived [Elephant Journal]

by | Nov 22, 2017 | 6 comments

Today is a gift

“Let me, if I may, be ever welcomed to my room in winter by a glowing hearth, in summer by a vase of flowers; if I may not, let me think how nice they would be, and bury myself in my work. I do not think that the road to contentment lies in despising what we have not got. Let us acknowledge all good, all delight that the world holds, and be content without it.”  George MacDonald 

I was thinking about the above George MacDonald quote yesterday, and it turned into a longer piece. elephant journal has been kind enough to publish it today just in time for Thanksgiving.

Gratitude has been marketed to death as a means to an end.

If you want to be happier, live longer, be more productive at work, have better relationships, make it through a difficult season—all you have to do is be grateful. Buy a cute “gratitude journal”—even though any journal or book will actually do the trick—and start writing.

 The underbelly of gratitude, which isn’t talked about as much, is bitterness. Is it possible to be content, even grateful, not solely for the things that we do have in our lives, but for the things that irritate us, the things that we’ve lost, or the things that never arrived?
Please head over to elephant journal for the rest of the piece here.
Happy Thanksgiving. Thankful to everyone who reads my words.

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JAC

November 22, 2017
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6 Comments

  1. A. Baik Lee
    A. Baik Lee on November 23, 2017 at 1:11 am

    The link didn’t work for me, but I googled my way to your article and look forward to reading it tonight. Happy Thanksgiving, Julia! I’m thankful for your words, and the person behind them.

    Reply
    • JAC
      JAC on November 23, 2017 at 2:58 am

      Thanks Amy. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

      Reply
  2. Debbie
    Debbie on November 23, 2017 at 1:55 am

    Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving. Thankful for your beautiful soul and always giving me hope. xoxo

    Reply
    • JAC
      JAC on November 23, 2017 at 2:57 am

      Happy Thanksgiving Debbie!

      Reply
  3. Anne
    Anne on November 23, 2017 at 2:10 am

    Hi Julia – I Googled and found your article (link was broken), and just love your thoughts so much. Your journey continues, and I’m grateful I have followed along from afar. Thanks for letting your virtual friends into your life through your words.
    And – Audrey the photographer! That made it all the better.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you both. xxoo Anne

    Reply
    • JAC
      JAC on November 23, 2017 at 2:56 am

      Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply

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