Gratitude in growth

The first time I heard the saying, “Be grateful for every asshole that has come into your life,” I thought the person was joking. In confusion, I just nodded and smiled, because I was too self-conscious to ask for further clarification. Now, since I’m a Mercury-driven Gemini, my mind mulled over the statement for a few minutes before I realized its impact.  Overall, it means finding gratitude in your life lessons.

We have all had the painstaking memory of at least one terrible person in our life. No matter the events surrounding the circumstance, their behavior probably tallied to a score of negative ten. Whether it was an ex, family member, or boss--we would love to snatch back the time spent with the person who completely ransacked every, single, one of your emotions.

However, once time has passed, those unnerving emotions toward them disappear and become a faint memory. Although their treatment of you was not deserved, gratitude is acknowledging the lesson from the relationship and your involvement. Gratitude is our perception of our circumstances and events, though it is extremely hard to see while going through inner chaos.

If it was a romantic relationship, you learned what you didn’t want in a partner. If it was a job, you learned to recognize the type of employer who will not facilitate your career goals. In any circumstance, the interaction called for you to grow as an individual. I know it’s difficult to see at times, but there is gratitude in the acknowledment of growth.