We are living in uncertain times and people are affected by Covid-19 in ways which we may not realise. Being socially isolated from work colleagues and family members; not hugging loved ones (or anyone); uncertainty about how or where to meet a partner; deferred hospital appointments and cancelled treatment plans; family living in other countries; prospective parents unable to attend antenatal visits or be present for the birth – there is a plethora of issues outside of staying socially distant, washing hands and disinfecting our homes and/or work areas.
People are suffering physically, emotionally, and economically. It is important that we try to build our resilience for what lies ahead. Now is the time for us to appreciate that we are doing our best. Finger pointing and blame won’t help. It might seem impossible to feel any level of gratitude having lost a job, working reduced hours, facing a divorce, under financial pressure etc. but we can develop gratitude by learning how to control our thoughts and channel our focus.
Life is complex, tough, and unpredictable BUT learning how to control our thoughts can prevent us from sinking under the weight of worry.
Gratitude is training your mind to spot the things that went well rather than recounting everything that went wrong. Focusing on the present, appreciating yourself and all that you do. We tend to focus on the one thing that went wrong rather than on everything else that went right!
Every morning or evening take a few minutes to think about what mattes most in your life. Write three things for which you are grateful – the simple things are ideal.
I am grateful for access to health care, a warm shower, morning coffee, mobility, literacy, a nice towel, fruit, a loving family…
For October, I am encouraging everyone to write “Three things for which I am grateful” every day. On days when it is a struggle to nail three things, maybe ask yourself what was nice today? What went well? Did I get up? Have the freedom to leave the house? Exercise, stretch, speak with someone, have a nice sandwich, read something helpful? These are things for which we can be grateful. I once had the pleasure of meeting Gabriel Byrne who said he is grateful for his breath.
Phone or visit a neighbour or someone you know who could do with a chat. We are social creatures and need connection to feel mentally steady. By reaching out to help someone else, you both benefit. Be the person who is helping someone else through the month and through the winter of 2020. That’s something to be grateful for – being helpful.
For October, maybe keep a gratitude journal. This task becomes easier over time and as the days pass, I found I’d spot things throughout the day and I’d think “well that’s going in the journal tonight”. Give it a go and even if you miss a day or two, resume as soon as you can. There are universal benefits to exercising gratitude rather like physical exercise – we might not want to do it but we feel good afterwards! If we can exercise gratitude in a pandemic, we build resilience to face whatever the future holds.
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