I have this poem saved on my laptop and I revisit it when things aren't going the way I want or when I feel overwhelmed by my emotions. I pull it up, read it out loud, close my eyes, take a deep breath and reflect on its teaching.
I acknowledge that it can be so hard to be grateful when things feel so wrong. I acknowledge that there's part of me that doesn't feel grateful (and is in fact kinda' PO'd about things).
And then I notice that simultaneously, there is indeed gratitude. CertainIy there's gratitude for the plethora of goodness in my life. But I also feel grateful for the opportunity to 'live my yoga'. And even if I am not fully successful, at least I had the chance to practice so I can be better equipped next time.
Finally, I accept that it's okay if my unexpected and undesirable "guests" linger sometimes, because as long as I don't fight them, they will go away. And if I let them be and don't resist, they often take with them some of my useless clutter as well... making room "for some new delight."
I'm inspired today to also share a reading of this poem... if you like, check it out: The Guest House