“Thank you for all the challenges that have shaped my character. Thank you for all the hard times that have made me appreciate the good times even more. ~ Unknown
Gratitude is often associated with joy, blessings, and moments that bring us happiness. But what about when life feels tough? Can we still find gratitude in the pain and struggles that challenge us?
A good friend who was going through a rough time this year told me the answer is yes. Her story made a profound impact on me.
Last month, my friend completed her last round of chemotherapy, and as we sat together, she said, “I’m so grateful for this experience, it’s amazing to me.” She explained how cancer, while exhausting, is But it gave her a new perspective on life. She now cherishes every moment, every connection, every little joy like never before.
It’s not about the disease itself, but the lessons it taught her: resilience, gratitude for the moment, and gratitude for being alive.
Her words stuck with me after that conversation. Thanks for chemotherapy? Gratitude for suffering? At first, it felt impossible to reconcile. But as I reflected on her journey, I started thinking about my tough moments and wondering if I could be grateful for them, too. To my surprise, the answer is yes.
Reflecting on my journey
I immediately thought of my struggle with an eating disorder when I was younger. At the time, I felt like I was stuck in a cycle of shame, self-criticism, and unattainable standards. My worth is tied to my weight and how I look in the mirror. It was a dark time and one I wouldn’t wish on anyone to go through. However, when I look back now, I realize I learned a lot and grew a lot as a result.
That painful journey taught me self-love and self-acceptance.
I began to understand that my worth extends far beyond my appearance.
I healed my relationship with food and learned to nourish my body with care rather than control.
This process is not easy – it requires patience and facing your deepest will. But on the other hand, I feel stronger, more compassionate, and closer to my true self. For that, I am deeply grateful.
Find gratitude in hard lessons
My friend’s chemotherapy journey and my struggle with an eating disorder were very different, but they had one thing in common: Both experiences brought profound growth and perspective. Life’s hardest lessons often contain hidden gifts.
Here are a few reasons why I believe it is possible to express gratitude for life’s challenges:
1. They teach us resilience.
Tough times push us to our limits, but they also show us how strong we are.
Overcoming challenges, no matter how big or small, builds our resilience. We learn to trust ourselves, knowing that we have faced adversity before and can face it again.
2. They change our perspective.
When life feels easy, it’s easy to take things for granted. Struggle reminds us to appreciate what we have—the people who love us, the simple joys, even the privilege of good health. Gratitude for these things often grows after we face difficulties.
3. They help us grow.
Painful experiences force us to confront parts of ourselves that we might otherwise avoid.
Whether it’s learning self-acceptance, setting boundaries, or discovering what’s truly important, the lessons in life’s challenges shape us.
4. They deepen our empathy.
Living through a difficult season gives us a unique perspective and compassion for those who are also struggling. Gratitude for the hard lessons we have experienced can open the door for us to support others with greater understanding, compassion, and empathy.
Being grateful doesn’t mean denying pain
It’s important to note that being grateful for hard lessons doesn’t mean denying or downplaying the pain or pretending everything is fine. Gratitude and pain can coexist. You can acknowledge the difficulties you experienced while still finding value in the lessons learned. This is not about minimizing pain, but about honoring the power and wisdom that comes from it.
How to Cultivate Gratitude for Life’s Challenges
If you have a hard time being grateful for a difficult experience, that’s okay. Gratitude often comes with time and reflection. The process of healing is long and difficult, but gratitude can make it easier. Here are some ways to start cultivating it.
1. Reflect on what you learned.
Spend some time thinking about how you can grow from this experience. What advantages or insights did you gain? How has it shaped who you are today?
2. Focus on the present moment.
Challenges often remind us to live in the present moment. Journaling, breathing, coloring, spending time in nature, or meditating can all help with this process. Focusing on the small joys throughout your day—such as a kind word from a friend, a good song on the radio, or the warmth of sunshine—can help you cultivate a sense of gratitude.
3. Share your story.
Talking about your journey with someone you trust can be incredibly healing.
Sharing what you’ve been through and how you’ve grown can help you see the value of your experience.
4. Practice self-compassion.
When you reflect on difficult times, be kind to yourself. Gratitude doesn’t mean you have to be happy about what happened – it just means recognizing the good it brings.
Gratitude is the way forward
As strange as it sounds, I am now grateful for the hard lessons I learned throughout my life. They taught me the importance of resilience, self-love, and living authentically. My friend’s gratitude for her journey reminds me that even in the darkest moments, there is light, lessons to be learned, and spiritual growth to be had.
Challenges in life will always come, but with a grateful heart, we can face them with hope and purpose. So, we need to express gratitude—even for the hard lessons. They might just be the people who make us better.
About Carla Piedrasita
Carla Piedrahita is a mindfulness and journaling enthusiast passionate about exploring ways to improve mental health through healthy practices. She enjoys inspiring self-reflection, gratitude, and mindfulness, and discovering ways to cultivate balance, healing, and positivity. Please visit her at ourgratitudeinbloom.com.
