Appreciating: Valuing the Experiences

This chapter focuses on the second aspect of GAIN: Appreciating. The chapter sympathizes with the general notion that not every situation is one to be celebrated. The many forms of losses we experience in life (death, lay-offs, bankruptcy, divorce, etc.) are hurtful and demand a long time to overcome. Yet, in every difficult situation we can also find some points of gratitude—for what was, for what we have learned, for how we grew, and for whatever still is to come. Change sometimes comes disguised as a curse and only later reveals its blessing. Concepts of reflection, suffering, perspectives, choice, and change will be important in this chapter.