Day 8: Gratitude To My Unsung Hero
It's never too late to show gratitude.
We all have those people who have left an indelible mark on our lives. Whether they go as far as changing the trajectory of our lives, or perhaps providing the encouragement we need to get to a better space. These interactions are ones you remember and have a long lasting impact.
As we grow up, many of us show gratitude to our parents who guided and provided for us with unconditional love. Maybe we wrote a card to a teacher who encouraged and never gave up on us, despite the difficulties of picking up a new topic. Perhaps we still know and love a friend who supported us through the deepest of heart breaks and set backs. But sometimes, It takes us time to acknowledge the positive impact of a person, and in many cases the relationships were fleeting and short lived. It may seem like the moment for gratitude is past. But it is not.
More than ever before, gratitude is more widely accepted as an important aspect of positive psychology.
Expressing and showing gratitude can help each out us to be present and focus on the positive aspects of our day. Consciously practicing gratitude is a skill that needs to be honed, lest our default prehistoric brains will look out for threats and fail to highlight the positive things.
Today my post is directed at an old manager, who showed me great kindness during a period of great distress. 8 years ago, I was living through the reality of a drug-addicted sibling and the breakdown of my nuclear family. This person provided the support that I needed to talk about the situation without their own motives, judgement or unwarranted advice. They simply listened and highlighted the possibilities of progress and change - and ultimately helped me remember who I was.
Through their kindness and friendship, I was able to find a purpose and meaning from the experience. I subsequently set goals and advanced my career, completed my honors and even relocated countries. It reminds me every day to never underestimate the power of empathy and compassion. Even if I know I will likely never cross paths with another person, I know that a little kindness can go a long way.
While this individual is no longer in my life, they were present and checked in on me until it was clear I was back on my way and ready to go out on my own.
For that, I am very grateful.
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Subtext: There are many avenues for family members of drug affected individuals to get professional support. In my case, I was unaware and not in a state to be able to seek these resources. Please take care and know you are not alone.
