The Importance of Being Grateful

In this time of unprecedented uncertainty and loss, it may be hard to feel grateful. Loss of lives, loss of job security, loss of movement, loss of certainty has impacted billions of people in one way or another around the world. It is so easy to fall into an unproductive cycle of fear and panic which doesn't serve us. But how do we tell those emotions that you are not serving me, you are not wanted or needed? It's one thing to know that that is what you should be telling yourself, it is quite another to feel the truth of this message down deep where emotions lie.

But there is something simple that we can do to help us gain perspective and reinforce the message that panic and fear only thrive when they have a willing servant. We can master these unproductive emotions by focusing on what we have rather than what we do not have or may lose.

There has been significant research in how consciously being grateful can have numerous positive benefits including being able to over come trauma. Covid-19 has brought trauma into each of our lives in one form or another. Here is a brief article from Forbes from November 2014 that explains 7 of the benefits of being grateful. Regularly expressing gratitude can improve physical health, psychological health, increase empathy, reduce aggression, promote better sleep and increases mental strength.

Yesterday, I took my camera out the first time since New Years. I decided that I needed more than ever to actively recover joy in my life. I didn't have far to go, I just walked around my apartment complex but even in the small confined spaces that I'm limited to, I was able to find images that gladden my heart. A tree outside the laundry room, dandelion puffs, bees working away on the flowering bushes, an unexpected patch of moss glistening in sun. I was amazed at the sense of connection that I felt with the dawning realization that the glistening was from snails passing over the moss.

I am grateful for so many things in my life. I have a home, a job, friends, and family that give me a sense of security. I have a loving cat that has no off limits places when petting. I am educated and desire to continue learning. I can see beauty in the mundane and can find humor in the darkest of times. I have an inexhaustible list and feel grateful that I believe that this is true.