Skewed Gratitude?
I’m feeling grateful for stuff that never happened!
I spilled the hot chocolate all over the counter. At least it didn’t go into the silverware drawer.
And there was the leaking roof in August. At least it was only half the roof and half the cost.
And that breast cancer diagnosis…at least it wasn’t a Stage 4.
I don’t really think I am a Pollyanna, that sunny and fictitious orphan. But my “at least” habit seems like a great coping mechanism to me! For me, the gratitude-for-what-hasn’t-happened mindset has been a way of using my hyperactive imagination for good.
Pollyanna (of the book and the movie) used her imagination by seeing the good in people. Her approach to life frequently involved playing “The Glad Game”, where she attempted to find something to appreciate in every situation no matter how unfortunate. She was glad about receiving crutches in the missionary package rather than a doll one Christmas because it was great that she didn’t actually need them!
Have you ever experienced gratitude for what wasn’t, for what you didn’t have, for what didn’t happen? Haven’t you ever been aware that things could be worse? Have you ever said to yourself, “at least no one died”? You know that things could always be worse!
It’s such a reminder that our experiences can be either blessings or lessons and that we can be grateful in either case!
And I can vouch that my “at least” habit brings me daily boosts of positive emotions and, even on occasion, rueful laughter!
