“Thank you for all the challenges that built my character. Thank you for all the hard times that made me appreciate the good times.” ~Unknown Gratitude is often associated with joy, blessings, and moments that bring us happiness.
But what about the times when life feels hard? Can we still and struggles that challenge us? A good friend went through a difficult experience this year, and she taught me that the answer is yes.
Her story left a profound impact on me. Last month, my friend finished her final round of chemotherapy, and as we sat together, she surprised me by saying, “I’m grateful for this experience.” She explained how cancer, as grueling as it was, gave her a new perspective on life.
She now cherished every moment, every connection, and every small joy in a way she never had before. It wasn’t about the illness itself but the lessons it brought her: resilience, appreciation for the present, and a sense of gratitude for simply being alive.