We've all heard it from somewhere - "you should be so grateful, you are so lucky...etc". But, the question is, do you believe it? Do you intentionally practice it (the act of being grateful)? Do you think about it on a daily basis? Do you say thank you?
I have to admit, it's been something that's been on my mind of an area that I need to improve in order to have a more positive and happy mindset and outlook in life. I have to be better about saying thank you. And I have to be better about thinking intentionally every day about what I am grateful for. It's worth it and I know it is. I know that it can change the way your mind works and the thought patterns that recur in your head multiple times a day. The simple act of consciously thinking about and writing down what you are grateful for everyday - it's worth it. And I'm embarrassed to say that it isn't until I hear about other people's hardships or misfortunes that I actually stop and think about how lucky I truly am.
The news of children being separated at the boarder from their parents has been heart wrenching. To think about the little babies, the little tiny hands and all the tears... it makes me sick to my stomach. And so I donate to causes that are doing something to help (if you are still searching for a way to help - go to @together.rising -- they are making a difference on the ground), but it doesn't feel like enough. I question why the world we live in is so messed up, but it doesn't feel like enough. I squeeze my own kids a little harder and tell them that Mommy Loves Them more often, but it doesn't always feel like enough. I thank God and the universe that the people I love are still here with me, but it never feels like enough...does it?
At least I can do better with what is in my control. I can try to teach my children to be kind, to respect people and the planet and the things around them. I can try to teach them what it means to be grateful and why we should always remember to be thankful, and also to give back in whatever ways we can. And in moments of temporary day to day stress or anxiety, I can stop, breathe, and remember again all the things that I should be thankful for, rather than being caught up in the minutia that is causing stress in that moment. And I can yell less, I can be kinder, I can be more thankful. So I will, because at least I can do better with what is in my control.