by Danielle Gatto, DV Counselor and LifeLine Coordinator
As a DV counselor, it can be challenging to bear witness to numerous experiences of trauma, grief, and harm.
However, last Wednesday, what nearly overwhelmed me was people’s remarkable capacity for gratitude. On that day, I spoke with multiple clients and LifeLine callers, and each one offered an unprompted expression of gratitude for something in their life.
"I am grateful for...
"My support system.”
“My ability to stand up for myself.”
“My WIT counselor.”
“My children.”
“My cat, even though she can be a jerk sometimes.”
“My sense of humor.”
Despite facing significant hardships, each individual found aspects of their lives that inspired them, fulfilled them, and brought them happiness. It was a humbling experience to bear witness to their unwavering capacity for gratitude. It served as a reminder that even in the most adverse circumstances, we can look towards the things that offer hope and fill our hearts.
This is my expression of gratitude for the incredible clients and callers who remind me every day of the vast capacity of humans to find hope and to hold it dear. Despite navigating through challenging times, we can discover reasons to be inspired, to feel fulfilled, and to be genuinely happy.
To be a witness to such resilience has become a cherished aspect of my role at WIT. It encourages me to reflect on the depth and complexity of the human experience, where joy, humor, and gratitude can be found even in the most difficult times.