Despite being in the midst of a world of trouble over the past few weeks, there is much to be grateful for. Yes, 'when sorrows come they come not single spies, but in battalions' (Hamlet) but there is a way of surviving the dark valleys and emerging in the light at the end, if an end there is.

Not all people endure the battering. No one, I think, comes through unscathed,  or changed in some way, unless they are impervious to pain and suffering. If you are a stoic, I suppose you might anticipate the worst in order to pass through whatever wrath is to come. But ordinary folks can fall by the wayside, or become consumed with running from problems by whatever means.

Which brings me to gratitude. If you can find the good amongst the bad, the joy amongst the pain, then you are blessed indeed. I think it pays to stop, momentarily cease the relentless pacing of the mind, and look around for something that brings hope. It is usually something very simple.