This year has been rough.
On top of the large issues of the day, I see so many of us wrestling with various personal struggles, too.
In these times, it’s more important than ever to call upon gratitude.
I’m not suggesting we deny our pain, or put on rose-colored glasses or not take action. But work in gratitude, too.
I think honesty is essential, and the raw truth is that while a lot of things may be going wrong, even more are going right. Always. Like the fact that we’re living and breathing right now.
This very moment — as I write, as you read — we’re alive.
What a precious gift.
One practice I’ve been doing lately, is occasionally taking a timeout to write 100 things I’m grateful for in 10 minutes or less. It’s surprisingly challenging and consistently worthwhile. I encourage you to try it out (work in lots of mini mental versions, too!).
Gratitude is always a trusty way to gain balance and perspective, but when we’re down and out, it’s what stops us from becoming hard and bitter. We may taste resentment and despair, but we don’t remain in the dark. We don’t lose ourselves. Gratitude is an anchor. And in 2020, it feels like we collectively need that more than ever.
This may not be a cure-all that erases the challenges we face, but it can totally help us feel better.
Gratitude is part of the antidote, and we could all use a dose!