Gratitude
November 2, 2007
We are coming up on Thanksgiving, a perfect event to explore what I’m grateful for. I find I am easily able to feel gratitude about other people, events, pets etc., and forget to feel grateful about my-self. I’ll explain.
I was babysitting my 3-year old grandson yesterday and found myself near the end of the day, as we were both growing tired, feeling grumpy. He stepped on my old dog who flipped out and threw herself into her water dish, which spilled over the floor, and I yelled at him. Of course he looked at me with those innocent 3-year old eyes and burst into tears. I don’t like to yell, especially at innocent children, and spent the rest of the day telling myself what a “bad” grandma I was. It took me until 11pm, laying in bed, to remember to appreciate all the good things I do for Max and my daughter, and forgiving myself for a minor lapse in emotional regulation. So for about 6 hours I forgot to appreciate, my-self, and at least I finally remembered to. I know some folks NEVER remember to appreciate themselves but being “in the field,” and especially specializing in positive psychology I hold myself to a higher standard. I figure if I can’t do it, how can I expect others I’m working with to do it.
So, I’m letting Thanksgiving this year be a reminder to appreciate and feel gratitude to life, people, and that includes my-self.
What are you grateful for?
Linda
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