30 Days of Gratitude

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 Today I REALLY need a boost:

• My job search in Florida is taking far longer than expected; therefore, my confidence has taken a hit. 
• I’m back in Pennsylvania for a visit and our family plans for Labor Day have fallen through, due to illness.
• My 85 year-old mother’s health is declining. 
• I’m missing my dad, who passed away 17 months ago.
• Other people in my inner circle are dealing with work & health issues.
• I’m seriously questioning whether moving to Florida was the right decision.

We all have our issues and problems. And it’s so easy to get sucked into the black hole of negativity. Seriously, we all know what it feels like to wanna crawl back into bed and pull the blanket over our heads! That’s what I’m tempted to do right now…

That’s what depression does for us; it saps our strength and energy. It makes all the disappointments seem so much larger and the fears insurmountable. It robs us of the capacity to feel good. 

I do believe that mindfulness is the key to fighting the effects of these killjoy emotions. Simple awareness can be the springboard for the change from a negative to positive attitude.

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So, let me do a REALITY check here:

• It’s a beautiful day; the skies are blue and the sun is shining. It’s a comfortable 79 degrees with no humidity. Perfect for…well, just about anything! 
• I’m healthy 
• Job searches vary depending on industry & circumstances – I’m limiting the geographic area; I’ve been somewhat selective of what I’m applying to; I have no network in Florida (no wonder it’s taking longer than I expected!)
• The weather is predicted to be beautiful for the remainder of the weekend – I’m free to make other plans to enjoy the day tomorrow.
• My mom is 85 – declining health is a part of growing old; I’ve been blessed to have BOTH my parents into their eighties (some people lose their parents as children & young adults.)
• I can’t control or change other people’s issues, so I have to step back and do the only thing I can, and that’s to be supportive.
• Moving to Florida doesn’t have to be a permanent decision. If I decide later that I want or need to move back to PA, I can! I have to stop thinking that every decision I make is final. 

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Whew…I’m starting to FEEL BETTER already!

When negativity hits, it’s good to use rational thinking instead of catastrophizing!

Catastrophizing is an irrational thought a lot of us have in believing that something is far worse than it actually is. 

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Okay, so WHAT NEXT?

• I’m meeting a friend from high school later. We’re going to a local “watering hole” to sit on the patio and enjoy appetizers and drinks (and I’m pretty sure lots of laughter!)
• Right now, I’m going to get the endorphins flowing with a walk in our beautiful local park.
• I’m also going to start that Gratitude Journal that I’ve planned for so long. The 30 prompts above, courtesy of Pinterest, can get me started!

They are great reminders of the countless things we have to be grateful for. Too often when we think of blessings, we limit ourselves to the big stuff:  homes, cars, jobs, money, etc. However, if we really break it down, there’s so many more!

Gratitude Journals are a great way to remind ourselves everyday of all the reasons to smile. Some days I might write more and other days just a short description. Maybe I’ll get creative and sketch or use photos to illustrate that day’s blessings. The important thing is to keep it current. Maybe a journal is something that could help you, too.

I’m grateful for many things, including my readers. What are you grateful for today? Let me know with a one word response and help inspire others! 

Carpe diem!

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