“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” — Tony Robbins
I was so angry when I applied for Social Security disability benefits. This was not what I planned! I wanted more money in the bank – I wanted to retire at 65. I was afraid that we would not have enough money to have a few extras in our retirement. In short, I needed to let go of my fears and accept the fact that life is Plan B.
Blocking out anger did not work – it just got me depressed. Then I remembered the idea of a gratitude journal, which Oprah spoke about. It was in the book Simple Abundance by Sarah Breathnach. Every day I wrote down 5 things that I was grateful for, even if it was only for my family, cat, and the fact that I was still able to get out of bed without assistance. Soon my perception shifted – I got my optimistic outlook back!
Now I only need to write in my gratitude journal once in a while, when I feel melancholy.