Throughout life I’ve come to think back to this quote, and it still resonates with me to this day.  Life can throw obstacles in our path, and it might seem like we’re constantly on the grind trying to survive.  Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed and frustrated because life doesn’t go our way.  Like difficult events, rain is normally associated with sadness, grief, or despair.  The challenges and obstacles in life, like the rain, can seem like it pours and pours without end in sight.  Sometimes it seems like we can’t even catch a break when we’re pushed to our limits. 

Although we can’t change life’s events, one thing that we can change is our outlook on life and adopt an attitude of gratitude.  Gratitude is a positive emotion in which we express thankfulness and being appreciative to life’s events, even during difficult times.  Studies show that practicing gratitude can help people feel positive emotions, savor good experiences, and build strong relationships.  

If we look at the rain and our perspective, we can adopt gratitude with our perception of rain and our association with it.  For example, the sound of rain is peaceful and therapeutic.  Rain is essential for supplying water and feeding plants, so it’s a natural part of existence.  And finally, we know that if it does rain, the sun will eventually burst from the clouds, and afterwards a beautiful rainbow will form.

Below are some tips on how to practice gratitude daily.  Just know that a little practice can go a long way to shifting how we think and feel.