It is a tough time to feel gratitude with all the changes we have faced in 2020. This year has been as challenging as many of us have ever known. As someone who is going through cancer treatment, shielding and facing the restrictions that have come about as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is difficult to not veer towards the more negative emotions of anger, resentment, depression and frustration. But the days when I spend time with those emotions are not my good days. I spend more of my time trying to look at the positives, for the things I am grateful for and I know it has saved me during the lockdown.
I have tried to focus on the smallest things I am grateful for and as I fall asleep each night, I list all of those things that make my life worth the fight. Blue skies, growing tomatoes (successfully!) for the first time, having access to my chemotherapy when many have not been so lucky, friends reaching out to keep me connected with the outside world, a small outside space where I can see a beautiful tree, being able to coach via video and loving every minute of the work I do…. I could go on and on but it is these things, big and small that ground me and keep me moving forwards.
What are you grateful for? What has happened today that made you smile? Who are you connected to that makes your life special? If your list is feeling a little short, can you search out more things that make you feel good? I know this can be difficult if you are facing troubled times but focussing on the good can really help lift your mood. I hope you find a list of things you are grateful for that makes you feel good too.