"Gratitude Attitude" by Charlie Hughes

Back in January, 2BC hosted the National Council on Aging's "Aging Mastery Program: Navigating Longer Lives." According to the National Council on Aging, "Aging Mastery means to develop the skills and knowledge to make the most of the  gift of longevity." In the introductory session, we were introduced to The Concept of Daily Practices and Gratitude.

During this time, when the COVID-19 Pandemic so dramatically alters our lives, it is good for all of us to focus on daily practices and gratitude. "Daily Practices are those practices that will enable you to be mindful of your time each day and will help you incorporate your new behaviors into your daily routine."

Right now, it is so easy to focus and fixate on all we can't do, where we can't go, what we need, and don't have and who we can't be with physically. Instead, let's focus on the practice of Gratitude.

Robert Emmons of the Greater Good Science Center says, "Gratitude is the affirmation that there are good things in the world, gifts, and benefits we've received. Gratitude is also an acknowledgment that other people—or even higher powers if you're of a spiritual mindset—give us many gifts, big and small to help us achieve goodness in our lives." Gratitude enriches and contributes to health and well-being, both ours and those around us.

Watch the Louis Schwartzberg TEDTalk “Gratitude”

Gratitude comes in all shapes and sizes and can change from day-to-day. What are you grateful for in your daily life? Begin the daily practice of gratitude each day by thinking about one or more things you are grateful for that day. Don't forget to include people and relationships as you think about and write them down on a list. Then once a week, elaborate in detail about a particular thing for which you are grateful. This daily practice carries more benefits than a superficial list of many things.

I have not been to my part-time job at Liberty Hospital since March. That loss of income can be a bummer! However, there is a huge moment of Gratitude in this. Now I am able to sit early in the morning on my back deck among the trees. I feel the breeze, hear the wind chime, see the moving leaves, and, most importantly, read. I looked up from my reading today and saw a hummingbird sitting on a dead spruce twig. This is the first time I have seen a hummingbird that wasn't flying. I have read more in the last four months than in most of 2019. For that, I am very grateful.

Begin now to start your Gratitude journey and journal.  

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father. Ephesians 5:20