Thumbing It With Gratitude

You know the saying 'you don't know what you have until it's gone'? Or maybe you know it more like this, you never realize what you are taking for granted until it's gone.

No matter how hard you try to have gratitude for all you have, you always miss some little thing. I've recently lost the flexibility of my thumbs. I had no idea how often I just used my thumbs without giving them a thought, that is until I couldn't bend them anymore.

Have you ever tried to brush your hair, hold a fork, or use a knife to cut something without using your thumbs? It isn't the easiest thing to do. I'm a touch typist, since not being able to use my thumbs the way I normally do when I type, I've found a simple task to become a bewildering task. (It may have to do with the fact that I find myself suddenly looking at the keyboard and not knowing where the keys are.)

It seems in the course of daily life activities, I've taken my thumbs, among other things, for granted. A man recently told me that the reason my thumbs are giving me issues right now is to show me the importance of gratitude. In other words, my struggles are a result of me needing to learn a lesson.

How many of you have heard 'helpful' statements like this directed your way? Or maybe you've heard things like, we are only given that which we can handle or to make us stronger. These statements aren't helpful, are they?

Sure, I may have taken my thumbs for granted, but I bet most people do. I remind myself that this is part of my condition, and not to make me a better person, build my character, or anything else like that.

Next time someone shares a bit of advice with you along these lines, remember they aren't educated about your condition and their ignorance is showing. You may be struggling with a portion of your condition but, it isn't to learn a lesson. Chances are you already show gratitude. If you aren't working with a gratitude attitude, it is never too late to start. If you don't know where to start, start simple.