Finding the Gift in Life: A Holiday Reminder of Gratitude
I’ll be honest. This time of year can be hard for many. Whether it’s navigating the holidays after the loss of a loved one or feeling the pressure to do it all—buying the perfect gifts, hosting ideal gatherings, and decorating like the Griswolds—the season meant for connection can quickly turn into a pressure cooker of stress and emotions.
Shifting Our Perspective
Lately, I’ve been reminded that no matter what we’re facing, life itself is a gift. Yet, when the weight of expectations piles up, it’s easy to lose sight of that. In our world of instant gratification and constant distraction—where our phones are buzzing with notifications—it’s harder than ever to shift from “What am I missing?” to “What gifts are already around me?”
At this time of year, when we often focus on material gifts, I encourage you to reflect on one of the greatest gifts of all: life itself.
Every day we wake up on this side of the ground, we’re granted a unique opportunity to live, despite life’s chaos, uncertainty, and challenges. This perspective shift isn’t always easy, but it’s important, especially during a season that often amplifies feelings of inadequacy or loss.
Ed Jackson’s Inspiring Story
I recently watched a documentary titled The Mountain Within Me, which tells the story of Ed Jackson, a professional rugby player who suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury. The injury left him paralyzed, with doctors doubting he would ever walk again. For someone whose life had revolved around physical and athletic achievement, the loss was devastating.
Yet, Ed’s journey didn’t end there. In the face of unimaginable adversity, he discovered a profound truth: life, even with its limitations, is a gift. Instead of focusing on what he lost, Ed found purpose and gratitude in what he still had. He began tackling mountains—literally. Through rehabilitation and sheer determination, he defied the odds, eventually summiting peaks that once seemed impossible. His story is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and our ability to find beauty in life, even when it looks nothing like we imagined.
Ed’s journey offers a powerful reminder that life’s greatest gifts often emerge in unexpected ways. His story challenges us to confront our own “mountains”—whether they’re grief, stress, or unmet expectations—and seek the gift within them.
Pause, Reflect, and Appreciate
How often do we pause to appreciate life’s simple joys? A loved one’s smile, the sound of laughter, or the quiet moments of stillness on a chaotic day. These are the gifts we overlook when we’re too focused on what’s missing or what could be better.
This holiday season, I invite you to slow down. Instead of getting caught up in the hustle, take moments to breathe, reflect, and appreciate the life you’ve been given. Practice gratitude for the small, everyday moments that make life rich and meaningful.
Life may not always feel like a gift, especially in tough seasons. But even in the hardest times, there’s beauty to be found.
The key is in shifting our perspective—from a mindset of scarcity and stress to one of abundance and gratitude.
As you navigate the weeks ahead, remember that every day is an opportunity to embrace the gift of life. It won’t be perfect, and it doesn’t have to be. But it is yours, and that alone makes it worth cherishing.
About the Author
Christy Pennison, LPC-S, is the founder and lead inspirer of Be Inspired Counseling & Consulting. If you need help navigating a difficult season or with any other problem area, now is the perfect time to find help and speak with one of our counselors.
Be Inspired Counseling & Consulting’s mission is to inspire hope for change to help individuals move forward and live fully.
Click here to schedule an appointment today.
