Spirituality for Caregiving and Chronic Illness
Just a wild guess here. You may not wake up happy every morning. Some, but not all.
Perhaps the unwanted intruders of anxiety, stress, and legitimate worry invaded your attempts at sleep. Maybe you’re just grumpy. Or, the combination of late night tv and junk food did not set you up for a great start in the morning.
Whatever the reason, may I suggest one of the fastest routes to fresh perspective?
It’s not innovative, just effective.
I do this about once a week.
Are you ready for it?
Think of 10 things for which you are grateful.
Yep. You’ve heard this before. But, have you tried it on a consistent basis? I realize that finding something to be grateful for in the midst of crisis is hard to do. With Thanksgiving a week away, this exercise may be worth the effort nonetheless. Did you know that you can be grateful for things that happened 20 years ago? You can even be thankful for future wishes. Big things, small things.
Here are some things I’ve heard people mention being grateful for:
being able to buy groceries:
a neighborhood to walk in and feel safe;
the ability to help others;
receiving an anonymous $50 with a kind note;
receiving an anonymous $2000 with a kind note;
the good sense to engage in intentional spiritual growth;
the ability to exercise;
a supportive spouse;
their kids;
their childhood;
a nice tub to soak in;
their grandparents;
their job;
the ability to provide for their family;
work that helps them give back;
an organization that makes their lives better;
the love they have;
the love they had;
friends that listen;
their band of allies;
the freedom to give;
the morning mist;
a vacation;
their church family and their small group;
their support group;
their garden;
their educational experience;
their grandchildren;
a loving marriage;
lessons in the school of hard knocks;
this moment, these people;
right now, back then, one of these days;
and the people who were with them then and the ones who believe they can get through this.
So, try this exercise at least once a week. Think of 10 things for which you are grateful to put you on one of the fastest routes to fresh perspective.
