When disaster strikes, it can be hard to keep things in perspective. As the clouds roll in, it's easy to bemoan the lack of sun and forget the life-giving rain. Having a negative attitude will not help your situation out. In fact, it will just make things worse for you and everyone that you interact with. So how can you find ways to be positive and grateful? Here’s a few tips to get you started.
Reflect on the Good in Your Life
Count your blessings. No really—do it. Start naming them one by one. Even if it’s silly, especially if it’s silly. For example, consider air. It’s amazing to walk outside and breath the fresh air. Not everyone is so fortunate. There are many individuals that live in places where the air is so polluted that it is unhealthy to be outside. As you consider each of the good things in your life write them down. There are several benefits of writing your thoughts in a journal. The act of recording the good things in your life will help you remember them and maintain a positive mindset.
Give Back and Volunteer
Serving the less fortunate is an amazing way to recognize just how good your life is. It’s also a great opportunity for you to recognize how others have helped you to get to where you are. Take a look at your skills, is there a way you can use them to benefit others? If you are musically talented, performing in a retirement home is a great way to bring happiness to individuals that are tired, sick, and lonely. If you are talented in sports, volunteer at a kid’s sports camp and pass on your talents to the rising generation. If you have academic skills, visit a school to assist in their after school programs for struggling students.
Remember that Trials are Good
It can be hard to be grateful for trials, but we should be. The hard times in our lives are what make us who we are. That isn’t to say that we should look for trials or celebrate the pain they cause. If the trial is the loss of someone dear to you, you can be grateful for the times that you had with them. The future isn’t guaranteed, so we should be grateful for our past and present and do our best for the future.
If you aren’t perfect at handling difficult times, that’s OK. Nobody is. It is perfectly normal to break down and cry. It’s acceptable to have outbursts of emotion. It just isn’t good to keep yourself from recovering and overcoming. Maintaining an attitude of gratitude can be a great first step down this road.
Here’s another article you might enjoy: What's in Your Self Care Toolkit?
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