A reflection as the year draws to a close
Research shows that an “attitude of gratitude” can increase happiness and increase resilience. Apparently, people who foster gratitude in their daily lives tend to have lower blood pressure, less chronic pain and increased energy. It has even been reported to lead to better sleep!
It can be hard to find things to be grateful for, especially as we look back on the events locally and around the world this year. So where do we look to cultivate an attitude of gratitude? It’s often the many little things, each one noted and counted, that add to our store of gratitude. The friend who answers the phone when we call, the colleague who makes time to share a cup a tea and a chat, the house mate who makes sure there is always milk and bread.
Cana is patchwork of hundreds of acts of thoughtfulness and generosity that is held together through our model of companioning and community. There are many challenges along the way – it’s not always an easy or comfortable space to be in. Despite this, there is much to be grateful for. We have many long-serving and dedicated volunteers who have provided support and encouragement to members of the community. Many others have laboured behind the scenes on administration, communications, financial management and much more. Our benefactors have continued to support our work. We have watched community members flourish and grow in big and small ways. There is much to be grateful for at Cana.
As the year draws to a close it’s a good time to stock up on gratitude. Take some time to consider:
Who are you grateful to have spent time with this year?
What experiences have enriched and stretched you?
What were the moments of joy that you experienced at Cana?
Where did you find consolation in the difficult times?
Keep cultivating that attitude of gratitude. You might just find yourself feeling happier, healthier and more optimistic!
“In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Cana Reflection by Carmel Shaw
