“We can endure much more than we think we can; all human experience testifies to that. All we need to do is learn not to be afraid of pain. Grit your teeth and let it hurt. Don’t deny it, don’t be overwhelmed by it. It will not last forever. One day, the pain will be gone and you will still be there.”
— Harold S. Kushner
“Life is painful if you do it right. Life will inevitably hurt you and the quality you need is not to lead a charmed life so that you’ll never be tested,” writes Rabbi Harold Kushner. “The quality you need is the resilience to get over that. The answer is: live bravely. Live bravely in an unreliable world.”
The phrase “this too shall pass” is a powerful reminder of the transient nature of all things, both good and bad. It encourages you to stay grounded and maintain perspective during challenging times, knowing that they are temporary.
Incorporating this mindset into your daily life can be a form of gratitude practice. By acknowledging that difficult moments will eventually pass, you can focus more on the present and appreciate the positive aspects of your life.
Simple ways to practice gratitude:
- Keep a Gratitude Journal: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day. This helps you focus on the positive aspects of your life.
- Express Thanks: Take a moment to thank someone in your life, whether it’s through a note, a call, or a simple “thank you.”
- Mindful Moments: Pause during your day to appreciate the small things, like a beautiful sunset, a good meal, or a kind gesture.
- Gratitude Jar: Write down things you’re grateful for on slips of paper and put them in a jar. Review them whenever you need a boost.
- Reflect Before Bed: Spend a few minutes before sleeping to reflect on the good things that happened during the day.
- Acts of Kindness: Perform random acts of kindness. Helping others can increase your own sense of gratitude.
- Meditation and Prayer: Incorporate gratitude into your meditation or prayer practice, focusing on the blessings in your life.
Always be grateful!