“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” — Epictetus
When I began my academic career and clinical practice, I would wake up every morning with a feeling of dread. The heaviness and ache on my chest and in my mind, the struggle to attack the day, was oppressive and demoralizing. This crush of morning depression weakened me so much, I was worn out even before the tsunami of “to do” engulfed me.
Then one of my 12-step patients came back from a retreat marveling at how she was able to break this lifelong struggle she had in the morning, this heaviness and burdensome dread she’d wrestled with throughout her adult life. She was visibly more energized and jubilant. She had my attention.
“Tell me more,” I asked, as interested in her relief as I was in my own.
“Gratitude,” was all she said.