Let's face it 2020 has been rough. Like really, really rough. The world has been through some crazy stuff these past months and it can make even the happiest of people feel hopeless and upset.
It can be so easy to get wrapped up in everything that is negative, but sometimes you need to take a moment to ground yourself and reevaluate all the good things in the world.
So I want you to stop what you are doing and do this little mental exercise with me. I hope you will ponder the questions below, breathe, and take a few minutes to yourself. This exercise can help you realign your thoughts and give you some mental clarity.
Answer the following questions:
- What is one positive thing that happened today? It can be as small as having your morning coffee with the perfect amount of cream and sugar.
- Who has helped you get through these past months? Is it your significant other? Your pet? Your family and friends? Yourself?
My friends, family, and cat Charli, have helped me stay positive.
- What is one thing you have accomplished during the on-going pandemic? It can be as small as finishing a book you have put off or as big as getting a promotion at work.
- What is one non-living thing that helped you get through quarantine? Was it a TV show? A book series? A video game?
- Who are the people that you love?
- What gives you joy?
Now that you are thinking about the good things in your life, I want to remind you of all the things that we have to be grateful for that most of us take for granted each day, but yet not all of us have access to.
I understand that not everyone reading this post will be able to say they have all these things to be grateful, but find what you do have that is positive in your life and be thankful for that. It is all about focusing on the good things and not dwelling on the bad.
Things to be thankful for:
- Food
- A paycheck
- A bed to sleep in
- A car
- New clothes
- Friends and family
- Pets
- Electricity
- Laughter
- Clean water
- New and old traditions
- Internet
- Phone and computer
- A place to live and call home
- The ability to afford coffee not made at home
- Love and support
- Safety and security
- Heat in the winter
- Being healthy
- Soap
- Books to read
I will admit that I forget all that there is to be thankful for in life without really siting down and engaging with my thoughts. Most of the things on that list are objects or people that I interact with everyday, but never stop to think about how lucky I am to be able to do so.
Now with everything we have to be grateful for, comes the idea of how to help others who are less fortunate than us. Since this time of year is all about giving back and spreading some holiday cheer, I thought I would share some ways that you can express your gratitude.
*make sure to check with COVID-19 safety protocols to keep safe while doing any of these activities
- Write cards to those you love, look up to, are proud of, etc.
- Donate to children's hospitals like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Volunteer at your local homeless shelter
- Actually tell the stranger in public that you like their clothes, hair, style, etc.
- Send care packages to military personnel overseas with non-profits like Adopt A Platoon
- Organize your own Clean Up The World activity in your area
- Do random acts of kindness like paying for the person behind you in a drive thru
- Help your friends and family with something that is giving them stress
- Donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to hospitals
- Go out of your way to make someone feel loved and supported
Those are just a few of the ways that you can give back.
I really truly hope this post has reminded you of at least one reason to be thankful. I know that it can be so easy to feel frustrated and lost right now, but reminding yourself of the good things in your life and helping others, will make your life and the world seem a little less dark.
Wow,what a power house of positivity!! LOVE the energy !!!
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