Gratitude may seem like a basic concept because it is something that is said that should not even have to be thought about. Something that maybe should just come with the holiday season. This year might be a little different for most people.
It is so easy to go about life without being appreciative of the smallest things. Life is too short and most importantly goes by too fast. Everyone is constantly on the go, ready for the next move, and always looking at the next big event. People are so busy in their day to day lives.
I think in 2020 there were so many things to NOT be thankful for. Many things to be upset about and look down upon such as the pandemic, the election, and the various turmoils across the globe to name a few.
This year I am thankful for the love and support I have gotten from the people in my life, the new opportunities at my fingertips, and the positive outlook I have attempted to bring into my personality. When you have an outlook of gratitude, it is way easier to be happy and treasure the small things. 2020 has not exactly been the easiest year for anyone, and I think it is the first time in a long time where we can relate to almost everyone in the world. It is not easy to wake up every day with a positive outlook and it is something that I struggle with everyday! At the same time, it is frightening and very important to remember that someone else probably has it worse than you, and everyone is struggling with their own battlefield.
Practicing healthy habits, loving on family (direct or indirect), and focusing on healthy habits and coping mechanisms has been the easiest way to put the 24/7 chaos of 2020 aside and just be grateful.
Isn’t it boring and discouraging to hear about all the uncertainty in the world? Who won what? What rates took over today? It is important to educate yourself on these issues, however; it is a challenge to hear this information and continue living life in a positive way all the time.
While it does seem difficult, these little changes and reminders can help make it easier than it seems. I think this is where implementing gratitude and kindness with yourself and other people in the smallest forms becomes a necessity. Compliment and love yourself and others in the smallest actions and take all the anger, frustration you have about current events and life and flush it down the drain. Easier said than done.
I hope everyone had a good thanksgiving and an awesome break. I hope students were able to take time to count their blessings and show a little extra love in their lives. This does not just mean holidays and is not specific to the season. This is something that we could all practice everyday, in an attempt to make the world a better place.