“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” — Epictetus
When I began my academic career and clinical practice, I would wake up every morning with a feeling of dread. The heaviness and ache on my chest and in my mind, the struggle to attack the day, was oppressive and demoralizing. This crush of morning depression weakened me so much, I was worn out even before the tsunami of “to do” engulfed me.
Then one of my 12-step patients came back from a retreat marveling at how she was able to break this lifelong struggle she had in the morning, this heaviness and burdensome dread she’d wrestled with throughout her adult life. She was visibly more energized and jubilant. She had my attention.
“Tell me more,” I asked, as interested in her relief as I was in my own.
“Gratitude,” was all she said.
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I like this because most of our negative views of self and the world are so exaggerated that we can literally overwhelm ourselves with angst over to-dos, bills, family obligations, etc.
If we would just pause for a moment, BREATHE, and let our minds calm down we may come to realize that all this worry is unnecessary in a world where ultimately we fade away and lose everything anyway. If we can learn to appreciate that which we do have, hopefully good health, friends, family, roof over our head, etc. it may no longer seem like we have it so bad.
I’m grateful to find out that other people have morning dread/depression! Yes, indeed,”this lifelong struggle she had in the morning.” I thought I was the only one.
Very well said, Dr. Dan.
Gratitude is the seat of humility and solitude for me, and I’m sure if more people would learn to regard gratitude with their utmost attention, would they see the beauty within everything around them.
Gratitude is the only thing that keeps me suspended in the peace that keeps me moving as a psychologist. With all the things psych-doctors see and hear and experience, gratitude (and grace) are two powerful motivational forces.