Thankful for the negatives

Written by Funmi Yusuf

Many a times we are thankful for the good things in our lives. The great job, the kind spouse, the loving, healthy child, the car or home and many other things that I can’t possibly fully mention. We have been taught to focus on the positives in our lives and downplay the negatives. We take on the "half-full” glass theory with the belief that you will be happier when you do. Maybe, maybe not.

Today I want to challenge you to think differently, to take on a new perspective, to be thankful for the 'negatives' in our life. As preposterous as that may sound, I dare say that some good can also come from looking at the unpalatable moments and situations of in life and being thankful for it.

Here are my reasons, first off, it could have been worse than it is but it’s not. Secondly, it always gives room for learning especially when you assess your negative situation with a thankful perspective.

Another reason to adopt this view is that you never really rid yourself of your negative experiences, if all you do is sweep it under the rug in an attempt to focus on the positives. Negative experiences have a way of creeping up on you and damaging what you thought you had going well for you. They whisper little threats in those quiet moments of difficulties and paralyze your creativity.

Are you ready to take on this new challenge? Let’s do it together, let’s be thankful for our fears and failures also. It’s only in that attitude of gratitude that we can you really conquer the limiting hold that fear has. 

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5:18