Gratitude is good to practice at any time, but it's especially important to practice during difficult pandemic times. Often, we're able to see all the bad things going on because we're wired to see the negative. Blame our ancestors thousands of years ago for this. Their survival depended on remembering bad things that happened to them so they could avoid dangers in the future. Focusing on the positive takes more work.
As hard as it may be to believe, we have a lot of good things to be grateful about during 2020. What things, you ask? In no particular order, here are a few just for starters:
- Family--Having the support of family means a lot.
- Pets--After all, they're part of the family.
- Good health--If you and your loved ones have it.
- A job you enjoy--Having work that's rewarding is a good thing.
- The outdoors--It's always there, even in your backyard.
- Exercising--Like it or not, it improves your mood.
- Laughter--A good belly laugh does wonders for the soul.
- Kindness--Giving and receiving it is so important.
- Movies--They relax us and lift our spirits!
- Books--Of course! They take us to different places!
We can be grateful about all the big things that are good in our lives, but it's important to note the little, everyday things that make us feel grateful. For instance, a warm cup of tea, a beautiful sunset, a warm bed in which to sleep, music, breakfast, or fuzzy socks, among others. Experts say that keeping a daily or weekly gratitude journal of life's little joys can help lower stress and cultivate a more positive outlook.
Heading into the Thanksgiving holiday, what are some things you're grateful about this year? Share with us!
Gratefully yours from the perch.
