Finding Appreciation

 

I recently had a garage sale to get rid of some of the stuff I've accumulated over the years so that I don't have to carry it all with me when I move next month. I'm moving because I can no longer afford my rent. 

When I first realized I would have to move, I was despondent. Why didn't I get as many opportunities as my friends, I wondered? Why did I continue to struggle while others had it so easy?

But as I looked around the garage sale, I realized that almost everything I had was given to me (either by friends, family or the side-of-the-road gods). I had been given furniture, TVs, books, dishes, clothing, everything I really needed.

I was suddenly overwhelmed with gratitude. I realized that there have been so many times that I've been the recipient of good fortune and generosity.

My focus shifted from depression and indignation to thankfulness and appreciation. Now, I am grateful that I have another home to go to and that it has turned out to be even better than the last.

Are there things in your life that need a second look? Can you find appreciation where and when you might need it most?

Image and words courtesy of Gennifer Carragher. You can find her on her blog or on Facebook, where she created a community for other Gratituders in The Year of Gratitude.

Update on Friday, December 14, 2012 by Kim Klassen

The winner of a spot in Kim's Lightroom class, Round Trip is, Becs! Congrats!

Comments

[Marcie]

I'm always re-assessing...and finding the space to be grateful to have the opportunity to do so:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/home/2012/12/13/its-time.html

[The Sunset Goddess]

I love this post--so real and open. It sometimes takes a lot to shift from "depression" to gratitude and appreciation but once it's done, it's really something magical. I am going through a difficult time in my family as well--the possibility of illness--but I choose to see it as something that will bring my family closer and make our relationships with each other stronger. Thank you for sharing this here on Shutter Sisters.

[Valerie]

Wonderful post!
We recently moved from CA to GA and it was exhausting unpacking and reorganizing. Soon, however, I found that thinning things out and organizing brought a burst of creativity. I began to appreciate things in a new way...
http://journeyleaf.typepad.com/journeyleaf/2012/12/childrens-literature-cookbooks.html

[christine]

It's so awesome when gratitude just washes over :) I've been feeling that way about the fall, it is my least favorite season ... I tend to get cold and cranky and sad, but I finding doses of gratitude, especially when I find so much beauty this time of year like the fading leaves ... http://christinecreate.com/stained-glass-weather/

[Jessica]

My daughter and I read this article together we both agree it's good to find gratitude and thanks all around you. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photo and your lovely post.