So thankful...

Authored by Abbey Copenhaver, PA-C on 12/20/2010

Authored by Abbey Copenhaver

12/20/2010

Categories: MomDocs Online

Categories: MomDocs Online

Ahhhhh.....'tis the season of caroling, pretty lights, silver bells, yummy cookies, parties and presents.  This is my favorite time of year (my second favorite is the COMPLETE opposite of Christmas...the 4th of July!).  As much as I love the Christmas season, I'm one of the first to admit that it's easy to get lost in the whirlwind of Christmas cards, goodie plates and wrapping paper.  It can get so crazy that we start to lose sight of what is truly important. 

I first noticed this happening to me several years ago when I was in school.  The hustle and bustle of the holidays, combined with intense studying for finals, made me feel like I was completely overwhelmed.  That is when a friend suggested starting a daily gratitude journal.  Now I'm not the type to carry around a pen a paper, so my journal is usually a mental one.  I find a quiet time of day, close my eyes, and think of four or five things I'm thankful for.  It was easy at first as the big things popped to mind...my family and friends, their health, a job I love, a warm and safe home, reliable vehicles, food in the fridge.  By the second week it got a little more difficult.  I found myself looking for little things during the day to be grateful for, and this in itself began to make my days more enjoyable. 

I'm not as good at doing this everyday as I was in the beginning, but I often find myself turning to this tool when I begin to feel overwhelmed.  I'm not going to lie, some days my list is better than others.  Sometimes all I can think of is "I'm thankful I hit all the lights green on my way to work" or "I'm so grateful that my husband picked up dinner and I don't have to cook".  More often than not, however, I find the more time I spend "counting my blessings", the more positive my outlook on life and the more I can contribute to the happiness of those around me. 

So I urge you, if you are feeling overwhelmed, as many of us do this time of year, take time each day to put in to words what you are thankful for.  Big or small, significant or not, it has the power to make a tremendous impact on your life!!