Take time out

In light of this continued situation that we’re all dealing with on a global scale, I decided to focus on blessings this week. That topic may seem counterintuitive as we’re confronting varying degrees of challenges right now, but gratitude is also a great way to temper our fears and worries. That’s because it allows us to remember and connect with our blessings, which may have gotten pushed aside in this tense climate, where simply turning on the television reminds us of frightening and horrific events occurring in the world or where the stability of our own situation feels extremely threatened.

I hope you’re able to take a little break from what’s going on, to consider those things in your life that you’re grateful for. We may be forced to stay at home right now and be deprived of certain freedoms, such as spending time with friends and loved ones or going on outings. My hope is that this exercise will help you to access some moments of peace during this storm.

For those of us who are healthy, I want to remind you all that we’re taking these steps as a precaution for the people who are particularly vulnerable to this virus: we’re doing our part to stop it from spreading. Give yourself credit for that action and hopefully that thought even helps you to feel better about staying inside, deprived of your normal routine.

If we can begin to feel grateful for even our smaller and/or more immediate blessings, then we can mitigate some of the fear and anxiety weighing on us. Maybe it’s having a roof over our head or a place to stay during this crisis, maybe it’s having food to eat, people who care about us or a coveted pet sitting in our lap. Focusing on blessings helps us hold on to a more positive frame of mind.

I myself have been very touched and thankful for the stories of human generosity right now. I’m referring to those who have stepped in to help others. Of course, that goes for all those people who are on the front lines, whether in hospitals or keeping all the necessary services open and running. They’re putting themselves at risk every day with their service, and deserve our appreciation and gratitude.

But, I’m also talking about ordinary citizens stepping up to do their part. I heard a story on the radio of a young woman who’s delivering groceries to make extra money right now, but she delivers them for free for all those 60 and over. She said it was because people in that age category were more at risk with this virus, and she wanted to help them stay healthy. Stories like these give me hope for humanity.

I hope these thoughts will prompt you to be thankful for the blessings in your life