Saved by Gratitude

In the midst of this global virus pandemic most of us, and with great reason, have been focusing on what we want and what we need in our lives.

If you are like me, you have probably been feeling rather unsure about how you feel about all that is going on in our world today. I have found myself wondering if everyone around me is overreacting or if I am under reacting. I have also found myself feeling shocked, angry, and completely baffled by the way that people are acting and hoarding supplies, and then there are some days that I feel like maybe I too should go out and buy everything I can get my hands on.

I am someone that has always had the mindset that people should have as much on hand as they can at any given time because we never know when the power will go out, or we might be snowed into our houses, or when some kind of disaster might strike. That is just how I was raised. So, for the most part I have felt like I am pretty set for the time being, but as I have gone to the stores in my attempts to find everyday things that I actually need and end up having to leave empty handed I feel like things have gotten way out of control. Since when do we need packages and packages of toilet paper, gallons and gallons of soap, or cases and cases of canned goods? We must remember to take only what we need and be thoughtful of those that are to come down the isle after us.

I think in a time like this, it is very easy to find ourselves fixating on what we don’t have and what we wished we had. That being said, I know why people are having those thoughts and I think that they are completely valid. On the flip side, I also believe that in times like these, it is essential, for many reasons, that we try and focus on what we do have and what makes us so blessed. During the last few days I have found myself starting to think about the things that we do and don’t have control over, and how important it is that we try and let go of those things that we can’t control.

I was looking through some old class notes from a course I took last year, and one of the questions was, “what things am grateful for today?” At first I thoughts about how there isn’t much to be grateful for right now. How could there be when such a horrible thing is affecting those around us and the world?! After thinking more and more about it I realized that there is so much to be grateful for that I have not even been thinking about.

My list:

1. My health – thus far I am blessed enough to be able to say that I am in good health and not directly being affected by COVID-19.
2. The health of my family- I am so extremely fortunate in that none of the people closest to me have become ill.
3. I live in Montana – I get to live in a place where there is not a ton of people in one area at any given time. I can still go outside and go for a walk without being shoulder to shoulder with other individuals.
4. I have food to eat – I am fortunate enough that I have food in my fridge and food on my shelves to eat. If it comes down to it I may be eating meals that are not the most desirable, but I will have food to eat and that is something to remember.
5. I have internet – I am a college student, and my courses have all been moved to an online platform in the wake of COVID-19. I am so grateful that I am able to afford internet so that I can continue to do my school work without having to go out to a public space and risk exposure.
6. I am able-bodied – I am someone who gets to wake up every morning and know that I can do pretty much whatever I want without physical restrictions. Just because the gym is closed doesn’t mean that I can’t go outside and move, or do some kind of at home workout.
7. I am able to work – While I do not necessarily enjoy working at a time like the present and being out in public, I know that there are so many people who would give anything to be back at work.
8. I have strong family relationships – I have people there to talk to me pretty much whenever I need it. I do not actually live close enough to my family to see them in person, but we can call and text any time. Support is essential and something that we must value and not take for granted.

I would like to invite you to make a list, or at least think about the things that are going good in your life right now. Even the smallest things, such as, “I smiled today”, should not be discounted! With all the negativity, sadness, and heart wrenching news that we are all exposed to daily, we could all use a little reminder about what is good in our lives and in the world.

Stay safe and healthy!