The 75th anniversary of D-Day on the heels of Memorial Day has me thinking about the attitude of gratitude. Looking back, I remember my father telling me stories of World War II and his experiences overseas.
My father’s generation grew up during the Great Depression, coming of age in time to face the horrors of World War II. These men and women had already learned to be tough and resilient before the war. Taking those lessons with them into battle, helped them through the war.
Stand In Awe
As his daughter, Dad did not share the ugliest details of combat with me. After he passed away, I found his trunk stored in the basement. It contained pictures that I had never seen. The stark devastation depicted hints at the horrors that my Dad must have witnessed.
I am awed by the enormous damage done. After years of learning life’s lessons, I am even more awed by the resilience and grittiness of our war veterans.
My father had seen enough hard times that he was grateful for the good in life. His first wife was murdered while he was in the navy, yet he learned to love again. Years later, in spite of sustaining life altering injuries in a car accident, he did not complain bitterly at the turn of fate.
The Greatest Generation Ever
The Greatest Generation is great because they are grateful for the freedom we have and the opportunities afforded to us in our country. They were willing to sacrifice everything for their families and future.
Click here to learn a little bit more about this great generation:
Gratitude Helps Us Heal
I believe gratitude helps us heal from life’s worst challenges. I am not saying gratitude is the whole of healing, but that it is a part of the process.
Healing from trauma or depression and anxiety comes from pulling together the good things and hanging on for dear life. Even in the midst of emotional turmoil, I am grateful for life, my family, friends, pets, my job. etc.
Gratitude helps us to hope and hope is essential for healing.
My challenge for you is to focus on gratitude. Make it a habit to be grateful for at least one good thing each day. Eventually, practicing an attitude of gratitude will become a lifestyle.
Leave a comment below to share how gratitude has helped you.
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
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