Gratitude is difficult these days for a lot of people. There's a heaviness in the air, the weight of worry on millions of minds as people wonder if they will have jobs or if they will lose their homes. I know that I have lots to be thankful for, actually breathing being one of them. Most days, it's not hard to be grateful for the gifts I have been given. I have a family that loves me, a roof over my head, and a job. I can walk. I can read, and I can write.
And then there are other days. Days when I just feel overwhelmed by the thousands of tiny details, and I am afraid. I'm afraid that I will miss something important, and everything will fall apart in a horrible chain reaction and it will be the end of the world.
Did I remember to bring the snacks for the soccer game? Did I neglect to pack my son's turf shoes? Did I turn off the coffeemaker before we left the house? Did I forget to take my blood pressure medication? Is my underwear on correctly, not inside out? Is there spinach in my teeth?
Pretty mundane things, true, but pile them on, and they can become a mountain. Mountains are not easy to move, even under the best of circumstances. And these are not the best of circumstances.
There's research that says that gratitude is healthy for us. Being thankful has a positive ripple effect on everything else in our lives. Gratitude is something that we should all work toward, and all journeys begin with a step in the right direction. I am going to try to be more positive, so I can move that mountain of worry off my shoulders, and I would like for all of you to come along.
Today is a day for gratitude. Even if you are underneath a mountain of worries, find at least one thing that you are grateful for, however small. Take a moment and let that thankfulness float to the top of your brain. See if that helps you move that mountain, even if it's only 1/10th of a centimeter.
So true, some days finding something to be thankful for is overwhelmingly difficult. But, it's amazing what a "time out" for reflection can do for the soul. Beautiful post - today I am thankful for the rain we had yesterday that further helped bring the beautiful greenery to my backyard. (And the sunshine of today!)
ReplyDeleteDawn
Very peaceful post on such a lovely and important day. A positive attitude makes a world of difference.
ReplyDeleteI was just discussing this with my husband last night. We were looking at old photos and thinking how much has changed, both good and bad, and how we are so much stronger for it.
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday!
Grand suggestion. I hate it when things pile on to that mountain, and I lose sight of any one item varying in importance from any other. I am grateful that I pulled my sorry butt it of bed this morning and got easter dinner served, after laying three overwhelmed at the thought of it for longer than I should have!
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely blog. I wrote about gratitude too, but looked at it differently. I love how we could all write about the same thing but produce very different things!
ReplyDeleteRhia from Five Minute Piece for Inspiration (around # 802 on A to Z List)
Such simple advice, but one that I have such a hard time with. Thanks for the reminder. Even when there is much that brings us down, we can make the choice to be grateful for something in our lives.
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