When I was in grade school, I remember having to write an essay on what the year 2020 would be like. Although I do not have the essay today, I can tell you we do not have the flying cars like in the Jetsons, nor hover boards like they had in Back to the Future II. I can tell you that 2020 has been one of the most bizarre years of my life!
In good times, it is easy to be grateful, but in hard times it can be more challenging to be grateful and stay positive. In such a strange year, I am constantly reminding myself of how grateful I am for what I do have in my life. Instead of focusing on not being with colleagues and industry peers, I am grateful to be working from home and spending more time with my family.
Gratitude and positive thinking are perfect treatments for better health and improved well-being. Here are five ways to practice gratitude during difficult times:
1. Hidden Opportunities: When times are tough, look for opportunities that may exist, even though not always obvious. For example, a loss or slowdown in business may be a good opportunity to look in new vertical markets, or for alternative recurring monthly revenue opportunities. Many times, bad times can be a blessing in disguise.
2. Document Gratitude: For some, sending a quick email or note is a way to document your gratitude. Others prefer to create a list of things to be grateful for, such as, a roof over your head, a warm cup of coffee, or unconditional love from your family. Whatever your method, it is important to put into writing the things you are grateful for, as you now have documentation to refer to when times are tough.
3. Help Others: More than likely, you are not the only one who may be going through tough times. Chances are your friend, neighbor, coworker, or mechanic may also be struggling. Reach out, make dinner for them, send a note and gift, or help with household chores that may be challenging for them during these times. When helping others, it will help give you a boost knowing you were able to help someone else and you are not the only one having a hard time. Also, when you do kind things for others, they pick up on it and may pay it forward, creating a cycle or chain reaction.
4. Make Gratitude a Routine: No one likes a Debbie Downer or complainer, so bake gratitude into your daily routine. To be positive and grateful, it takes constant work. Start by not complaining for one week, then two, then a month. Go through your list or documentation to create a constant reminder of all the things you are grateful for and refer to your documentation as much as possible to train your brain to be positive and grateful.
5. Every Day is a Blessing: Begin each day reflecting on all the things to be grateful for and thankful we have a new day to begin. This puts positive thinking into your head as soon as the day starts. This also creates that routine of being grateful and positive. You will begin to forget about the negatives in your life and start focusing on the silver linings that make you happy.
Studies have shown that by being grateful and positive you stay happier, healthier, stronger, and more resilient for the future. By having a positive and grateful mindset you are less likely to suffer from depression and are more likely to experience self-growth. Also, your gratitude and positive energy is contagious, so, let us start spreading good, positive energy!
Julie Rolles is Training Manager for PSA Security Network. Request more info about PSA at www.securityinfowatch.com/10214742.
