Today those of us who have gratitude in our hearts celebrate it with a day our country sets aside for this occasion.
In this country we have much to be grateful for, even though we've been through one of the worst years since I was a child. On top of the challenges of normal life, we were struck by a pandemic that ravaged our country and the world, we experienced all the vitriol of a vicious political campaign, riots raged in the streets of the Northwest and forest fires burned millions of acres in California, Oregon and Washington.
So one must be very optimistic to find something to be grateful for after such a series of dramatic events.
But I have a favorite technique I use when my world spins out of control as it has recently. When things get crazy I play kind of a comparison game. I look around and I can always find someone who has it really rough.
For example, I live within several blocks of some assisted living homes. And as I drive to work I usually follow a route that takes me past them. I often see the elderly and sick riding their electric carts on the sidewalks - even when the temperature is over 110 degrees. Some are puffing a cigarette, or returning from the market with a basket of groceries, or maybe just escaping the confines of their rooms. Whatever they're doing - which is none of my business - they remind me that I have a lot of freedom and blessings in my life.
And I'd suggest that you develop some techniques of your own that help you feel grateful when things get really rough. Yes, many have it better than us - but don't look at them because you'll feel envy, or jealousy or some other ugly emotions that'll drag you further into depression.
Instead, have gratitude for whatever life has handed you because today might be the best day of your life.
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