I just got an email from a client who’s in pain on a day devoted to “gratitude.” Here’s what I wrote to her, in case this can be of service to anyone else out there hurting:

“You are under no obligation to say “thank you” when suffering. And yet it can be comforting to say “thank you” for whatever you can–your talent to heal, your ability to think, speak, move, see, etc. But I think it’s cruel to tell someone in pain that they “should” be grateful for anything. Choose what works for you, darling.”

It’s usually after the fact, after we’ve come out the other side, that we can be grateful for the experience. And it’s really the hard parts of life that teach us empathy, and for that I’m grateful.

Warmest regards,
Morgana