It has been a tough few weeks for all of us. We are uncertain about what is going on, and it makes us nervous. Some of us feel like we don’t have enough information, while others think they are on information overload. Many of us are social-distancing while others, like our health care professionals and those that work at grocery stores, are with the public daily. My workplace sent most everyone out to work from home.
It’s all new and different. But, one thing has not changed. We still have so much for which to be thankful.
- Do you live in a lovely warm house with electricity and running water? Be thankful!
- Are you able to Skype or FaceTime with family even though you aren’t physically together? Be thankful!
- Do you have groceries (and for Pete’s sake, toilet paper) to last you through the next week or two? Be thankful!
- Are you healthy – is your family healthy? Be thankful!
- Do you not know anyone with Corona Virus? Be thankful!
- Do you know someone with Corona Virus? Be thankful that it isn’t you! Be grateful that it isn’t worse! Be thankful for that person!
- Do you live in a safe neighborhood? Be thankful!
- Are you getting to spend more time with those, including pets, who live in your house? Be thankful!
The point is this – no matter how good things are in life or no matter how bad things are in life, you can always be grateful for the things many of us take for granted.
Today is the first day of spring; the sun is shining where I live, and it is melting the snow. I am thankful.
If you are feeling anxious about the Coronavirus situation or for any reason really, please try the following:
- Take six slow deep breaths in and out. Think of health and positive thoughts going in and sickness and anxiety going out.
- Now, think of someplace beautiful. I like to think of a lake with woods and deer nearby. I can hear the water lapping against the rocks, and I can see the sun coming up over the horizon. Your beautiful place may be the beach or the desert. Try to imagine yourself there. What do you see, what do you hear, what do you smell, can you taste anything?
- Get a pen and paper. Write down three things you are grateful for as well as why you are thankful for those things.
At times like these, it is best to remember a quote my mama used to tell me when life seemed hard. She would say, “Honey, just breathe, this too shall pass.” I give the same advice to you. Repeat the three steps above whenever you begin to feel anxious. I am confident it will help your outlook.