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Finding Gratitude and Acceptance in the Face of Loss

This morning, I bought some beef jerky. The brand is called Epic. I thought I brought it with me to the car, but when I tried to find it, I couldn't, and I got upset. Whenever I get upset, I try to shift my attention towards gratitude by asking myself, "What am I grateful for?", in that moment.

One thing I was grateful for in that situation was acceptance. Acceptance means acknowledging that we're not always in control of everything in life, therefore, there are circumstances that we mat not have full control of. Practicing acceptance and letting go of attachment to material possessions can bring a sense of peace and freedom. 

However, when I realized this gratitude, it brought a sense of cognitive dissonance because I was shifting from a reactive state of anger to gratitude, and this created dissonant thoughts and feelings in that moment between the experience / feeling of loss and a sense of release / gratitude. This cognitive dissonance reminded me that I don't have to remain in a reactive state and that I have the capacity to shift my mindset.

Another thing I can be grateful for when I lose something is the lesson itself. Losing something reminds me to be mindful of the present circumstance and the things around me. It's a reminder to be present in the moment.

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