The Times, they are changing: Pandemic outcomes continue to go up and down. Variants continue to emerge. People are still seemingly unsettled. Health issues, death and dying, and unknowns are still reported. A war has ended. Fires and hurricanes continue. What are you to do during these crazy days to keep yourself in a State of Gratitude? How is it possible to remain joyful?
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I believe we must remain in a State of Gratitude these days even in the midst of the pandemic, the hurricane, the ending of the 20 year war, the murder of service men and women, the fires, the arguments over masks, and on and on…
Recently, I talked about #portals opening briefly in our lives, and closing just as quickly. Over the last few days I wondered what kind of portal opened up this week? It seems the news is all bad.
I reflected on what makes me continue to believe in gratitude in spite of everything? In fact, one site I view daily is #gratitudemakestheattitude. I was drawn to an old video my son made for my father’s celebration of his 90th birthday and I share it with you today.
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When life feels stressful I like to go outside and walk or drive and breathe in nature’s beauty. I have many family members and friends right now who are experiencing extreme stress with breakups in relationships, serious health problems, consequences from the virus, fear of going outside, and on and on. Today, I want to share some beautiful photos to give you peace and calm, and harmony with nature.
During trying times, practicing gratitude helps me. I hope these photos help you to focus on something beyond your immediate issues.
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Tomorrow is never guaranteed so be grateful for this gift that is today!
Gratitude is praise
Gratitude is thankfulness
Gratitude is gratefulness
Gratitude is gracefulness
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I spend most of my time listening to people complain these days. No doubt there is more uncertainty than I ever remember in my life. People can not easily vacation, or travel, or plan to see other family members and friends. Some people are wearing masks again, others refuse to do so. The news is uncertain about the Covid viruses. School may or may not return to normal this year. People have lost their jobs. Other people do not want to work because they need to stay home with their children or they prefer to receive support from the government. The weather is hot and humid and the wild fires are starting again. Some people would say “life sucks”. So why would I expect anyone to practice gratitude?
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This video summarizes the skills of one mother of a special needs child. This psychologist practiced for over 40 years and uses strategies which many people should utilize with their clients both young and old. Using #love, #music, #storytelling, #songs, #humor, and #constantpressure, we learn how she forms her own daughter into her #diamond.
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Recently, I wanted to go out to lunch with a friend. We tried four different restaurants and each one was crowded with a long wait. Plus, we had to mask up so we wanted to social distance. We had even gone at an early hour to avoid the crowds. I guess everyone else had the same idea. However, when we got to restaurant number five, it was empty. The food was better than the other places we had visited and the lunch was actually more enjoyable.
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When I began my journey to gratitude, it seemed easy to find examples of kind acts by people, fun pet moments, memorable acts of generosity between individuals, and so forth, but as this pandemic drags on I am observing more stress, more anger and frustration, greater impatience, visible sadness, signs of depression, instances of hopelessness, and fits of intolerance all around me. It is hard to stay grateful each and every day when you see and hear stories of death and dying, fights on airplanes and in shops over wearing or not wearing masks, lack of clarity on what will happen when school begins again, red States and blue States, and political disagreements.
How in the world does one stay grateful and joyful when there seems to be pain and sadness all around?
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Recently I drove across the country from California to Indiana on a weekend. I was surprised at the road construction and all the people on the road. I typically like to stop at #Love’s Truck Stops as they are open 24 hours and have gas, food, and clean bathrooms. People typically take a nap, or even sleep a few hours at night to rest during their various trips. Families fill their cars or campers with people as get-aways
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Last night was scary for me at my home. I am a boomer and the young neighbors across the street had a party with illegal fireworks in the street and, at times, my driveway. I videotaped their fireworks on and off throughout the evening. With the drought, they could have started a fire. It was horrible for my little dog most of the night#. I was surprised that a car did not catch on fire, nor did anyone walking by get hurt. I know that the kids have been trapped inside during the last year because of the pandemic, and their youth produces lots of energy, but their party last night was dangerous.
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Gratitude Squared 