Gratitude. This is a time of year when we consider our blessings and think of all the things we are grateful for. For some of us, however, this can be a difficult time of year with the Thanksgiving holiday and missing our loved ones who have recently passed. It can be difficult to feel cheerful when we are in the midst of our grief. Or maybe this is a difficult time of year for other reasons such as family quarrels, financial difficulties, health issues or loneliness.
The holidays with all the early Christmas carols and decorations can feel unfairly demanding that we MUST be joyful. Trying to feel grateful for all of our present gifts in life can be a daunting task when we are rushed with holiday preparations. Fortunately, the task of gratitude does not demand happiness. It only requires reflection. It offers the idea that there are still things to celebrate in even the smallest ways, and even in the midst of our struggles.
…the task of gratitude does not demand happiness. It only requires reflection.
A song I often like to sing for our older adult patients when anxiety is prevalent is the famous Bing Crosby song “Count Your Blessings.” The words and that lilting lullaby melody give us a moment to slow our breathing and ponder ways in which we are still cared for, in even the smallest ways. I am personally grateful for all of our wonderful volunteers for being such an amazing blessing to our patients, who are grateful for even just the smallest acts of kindness.
When I’m worried and I can’t sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
So if you’re worried and you can’t sleep
Count your blessings instead of sheep
And you’ll fall asleep counting your blessings
