Count Your Blessings

 

My first post of 2021.  Sorry it’s taken me so long, but I needed a minute to collect my thoughts. The past year has been quite a challenge for most of us. Coming to terms with this new lifestyle hasn’t been easy. No matter who or where you are you have been impacted in some way by the pandemic. Many have lost loved ones, jobs or are mourning their prior way of life.  For those of you who have lost loved ones my heartfelt condolences go out to you.

During times of crisis like this it is easy to focus on all of the bad things happening to or around us. This post is titled Count Your Blessings because I am suggesting that instead of focusing on what is missing or what we can no longer do, let’s take a moment to celebrate what we have.  First and foremost if you are reading this message then you are still among the living.  That is absolutely something worth celebrating. Every morning when I wake up the first thing, I do is thank God for giving me another day to try my best to make a difference.

My BFF Maria gave me this jar in the picture this past Christmas and I absolutely love it.  It’s in my office on my desk so that each day I am reminded to count my blessings.  It came with little cards some with pre written sayings on them but with blank cards so you can write your own as well. I do realize that many people are having a very hard time right now. This past year has been one of the most challenging of my lifetime. I am not suggesting that you just get over it by any means. My point is to not stay there in that place focusing on the bad things. It isn’t a good place to live. Trust me there are days when it is very difficult for me to get myself motivated to get out of bed to face the day. We all have those days from time to time.  Maybe over the past year we’ve all had a few more than usual. In any case I’m simply suggesting that you try to find the light in your situation no matter how dark it may seem. 

For example I am very sad everyday about being away from my husband. I haven’t seen him in person since December of 2019. I sometimes struggle with what could possibly be the light in this dark situation. Well one day it occurred to me that communication is one of the most difficult things to master in most relationships. All my husband and I have to connect to one another is our cell phones. We can only text and video call. Our ability to communicate has greatly improved because it’s all we have.  All those little things that usually annoy me aren’t so annoying anymore. I no longer take for granted any interaction with those I love because this past year has taught me that life is so very precious and in some cases way too short.  Don’t take any moments for granted.  Tell the ones you love today how you feel.  Also remember to take a few moments out of your day and simply count your blessings. 

We’re not out of the woods yet with the pandemic and we all still need to remain vigilant. Continue to follow the guidance from our leaders to stay safe. Practice self-care. Pay attention to your emotions and those around you as well.  Seek help if you feel you need it.  Try to stay busy and remember we're all in this together.  I appreciate you all for taking time to read this and it is my goal to post more frequently