Gratitude for a Cold

By Michelle Johnson, The Shift Network

As I sit here today with my box of kleenex and cough drops, I am highly aware of the value of some of the "not so pleasant" experiences offered in life.  Now, I could choose to go the typical route of many and lament my clogged nose and scratchy throat, but what good would that serve?  It would not change the circumstance or speed up the healing process.  In fact, it would most likely slow it down.

So, instead, I choose to use it as yet another opportunity for gratitude.  This body I have agreed to inhabit for a time is truly amazing.  Within me right now are a whole army of little cells working veraciously to remove all of these foreign bodies from my blood stream.  My entire immune system is working full speed to return me back to my natural state of well being, and all I need to do to support it is rest and be good to myself. (I’m also helping it out with some echinacea, vitamin C and garlic)  My body does all the rest.  What another perfect example of the universe always working for our good.

This is the beauty of these "not so pleasant" experiences. Would I have taken the time to feel grateful for my immune system had I not experienced it in its full glory during this cold?  Probably not.  And on the other end of this cold, I look forward to experiencing the joy of a clear nasal passage, clear lungs and full energy. Would I have appreciated my wellness in nearly the same capacity had I not had this cold?  Again, probably not.   Is it worth two days of a scratchy throat, clogged nose and extra sleep to experience a deeper appreciation for my immune system and my natural state of wellness that arrives on the other side?  For me, the conclusion is yes.  And the state is gratitude.

When it comes down to it, it’s really about choice.  The universe brings us all kinds of contrasting experiences in this life.  Are you using them as an excuse to stay in a disconnected, disempowered space, or are you using them to experience more gratitude, appreciation and awareness?  As always, the choice is yours.

Namaste, Michelle


Michelle Renee Johnson is the Course Production Manager at The Shift Network. In addition to a BS from the University of Delaware and an MS from Tufts University, Michelle is also a Certified Empowerment Coach through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). A powerful speaker and educator in her own right, Michelle brings over 10 years of experience in personal empowerment, experiential education and project development to The Shift Network team. For more information about Michelle and her Expanding Joy Coaching practice: http://expandingjoycoaching.com/