Life changes us one teeny, tiny moment at a time. Sometimes they slip by us and we do not notice. However, when we are paying attention, they can have a really big impact. I was doing my boredom thing today–Pinterest, Facebook, and reading a book; alternating back and forth–basically, my means for coping with the uneasiness I am feeling. And suddenly, in just a fraction of a second, it hit me: I needed to be grateful for the uneasiness. Yep, I suddenly thanked the Divine for it.

Instantly I perked up. Why? Because I am sincerely grateful for uneasiness and painful moments. THOSE are the ones that mean you are growing, change is coming to you, and live is evolving. Sure I felt most alive when I walk down Broadway or stared in awe at the Grand Canyon. Those are moments too. Those are moments it’s easy to be grateful.

But what about the moments it took to say something hard to someone? To feel defeated, guilty, used and alone? Did those moments not mean just as much when I overcame them? Yes, they did. What about the uncertain times when I had to learn to pray, trust, and hope? Don’t those most unpleasant moments release our faith? I think they do. Why shouldn’t I be grateful for the times that I know something better is in the works? I can’t find a reason.

I am sincerely grateful and give praise to the times that teach me how to be a better person. To appreciate my health and my body, as imperfect as it may be. To appreciate that someone far away is breathing and is ok. To appreciate the anxiety about changing my home around because it means the clutter and disorder are no longer tolerable to me. To let the new give way and throw the old off like a to-do list that’s complete. These are hard things but when I stop to listen, I recognize that they are pretty clear signals that while I felt nothing was happening, in fact, many things are changing. And change can be difficult and I am forgetting how truly fulfilling it can be when we turn around and see where we once were.

I am heading in a direction that’s new to me but oh so very welcome. So maybe a little patience with myself is needed. All that uneasiness is a sign that things are about to get real awesome. For that, I am so grateful.