A time to reflect on what we're grateful for
J. Paul Nadeau
Ex-Hostage Negotiator, UN peacekeeper. Negotiations keynote speaker & author. My captivating keynotes are blockbusters sharing pivotal lessons on strategic negotiation and building impactful relationships.
One day at a time. That’s how we must approach our current nightmare. What I’ve come to discover by reaching out to quite a few people is that, surprisingly, a lot of us have not yet developed a positive routine to spend our days in “lockup” with. Some are glued silly to the news or social media and find the days long, frightening, and hard. So, if that sounds familiar, it’s time to change that. And you can.
We’re being bombarded with so much news about the horrors and seriousness of COVID-19. You can’t help but hear something about it at least a dozen times a day if you haven’t disconnected from social media, and that just isn’t healthy. A steady diet of doom and gloom does no good for ones mental health. It has a way of darkening the beauty around you. So, what is it that some of us are missing?
Some of us are missing that spirit of gratitude we can access anytime we want. Most of us, I’m guessing, are waking up and not taking any time whatsoever to reflect on how much we have to be grateful for, especially in these times - and even more so - if we haven’t been touched by this unforgiving virus. Taking a few moments each day, and several times a day for that matter, to say “I’m grateful I’m alive,“ “I’m grateful I’m healthy,” “I’m grateful my family is doing well,“ “I’m grateful I have a roof over my head, food to eat and a warm bed,“ “I’m grateful for Netflix and tea,” are just a few examples of the things we can start with.
These really are times not to overload ourselves with scary news. Keeping informed is great, but let’s all remember that a lot of this news is misinformation, and some of it is just not accurate. Hearing from the experts is what we need, but not 24/7.
COVID-19 is here to stay for a while. That’s the reality of our current situation but it does not have to consume our every living moment. It’s the end of March, and here in North America, the nicer weather is coming. The flowers will soon bloom and the birds will chirp. Next time you have to go out, stop to smell the roses. Heck, look around you in your own home to your family, your pets and that healthy body you still have. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty around you, the wonderful people in your extended lives and the many blessings you are graced with. Because for some people, it’s too late.
Sergeant (Ret.)
4 年Thank you Paul for these words. The media is a necessary evil that requires limited exposure during this time. We do have so much to be thankful and greatful for. Your insight is heartwarming.