This episode focuses on an element of emotional health I believe is a game changer, practicing gratitude, even when caregiving is messy. I share a story about a pair of inexpensive sunglasses that remind me of famous actress, Elizabeth Taylor. She was often photographed wearing large, round, dark lenses with black frames. I inherited a similar pair after my mom passed, and the lenses make the world look so beautiful! The lens through which we see the world makes a difference, doesn’t it? My focus today is on adopting a lens of gratitude, defining that lens, and offering a few simple suggestions around using it. Given the challenges of family caregiving, there’s no shame in needing an occasional reminder around being grateful, because the benefits of this perspective are huge.

Resources:

Today’s Bible touchpoint, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5%3A16-18&version=NIV

Takeaways:

• A lens of gratitude is a conscious choice that takes practice and periodic reminders.
• This lens is an antidote to the darkest parts of caregiving, because it promotes a change in perspective, from what is wrong in our lives to what is right.
• This lens is also a powerful tool to share with the loved ones in our care as well as others we connect with each day.
• Start with the Rule of 3: Find 3 things you are grateful for each morning or evening. Some use gratitude journals for this exercise, but they are not necessary, unless you prefer to write them down.
• Tiny can be mighty. Your items don’t have to be monumental, just meaningful. They could be as basic as, “I’m grateful for the end of another week.”
• If you’re stuck, consider 3 things you were able to accomplish today. This can also be very basic, like “I was able to take a shower and wash my hair between tasks.” Or “I was able to take a 10-minute walk.”
• Simply gratitude, each day. This is your reminder about the power of this lens. 😊

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