We’ve all heard the saying, “Count your blessings.”  Sometimes the most common and well-meaning phrases are repeated so often we forget what it is the words are actually trying to convey.  I find when we allow words or phrases to become commonplace in our language, the original intention of the thoughts are shifted onto the heap of impetuous jargon.

I have heard for years and years how important it is to express and show gratitude for everything in our lives.  This includes the bad stuff, which is exceptionally difficult to wrap my head around, to be honest.  Everything that we receive is there for a reason, so I’m told.  Whatever the ‘it’ is, and regardless of whether we have conscious awareness of it, gratitude for our blessings, lessons, and everything in between brings with it  opportunities for growth.

Interestingly enough, when we show gratitude and appreciation for what appears to be a sudden stroke of…