Life's Blessings Finding The Positives

I don't know if anyone ever feels down being a single parent and dealing with all the stress of being 2-parents-in-one?  I know that I sure have!  I have however found that one way to turn that "feeling down/ho-hum" feeling around is to count at least one blessing every day.  No matter how small it may seem. 

 

I've struggled a lot with depression over the years and always seemed to look at what I DON'T have instead of focusing on WHAT I DO!  In the end, I've learned that all the medication and counseling in the world could never even begin to fix what ails me unless I start with my mind.  The power of the mind is very strong and can either be your best friend or your worst nightmare.

 

I've heard it said that what you focus on expands so if that stands to reason, it's no wonder that the more I focus on "how bad life is" and what I DON'T have it seems to grow and ultimately I feel worse.  I've decided to try an experiment and look at things differently this holiday season focusing on what I DO have and while it may be difficult at times to do so with finances being tight and the lack of sun we see during this time of year, I've thought about at the same time I am focusing on the positives in my life, I will also put myself in a position to do something for someone else every day even if I "don't feel like it" and maybe I will find more blessings and things to be thankful for along the way.  I heard a saying once, "I cried because I had no shoes until I saw a man who had no feet."  How much brighter could I make someone else's day if I just simply smile at them while passing on the street or by holding a door for someone and telling them to have a nice day.  I think focusing on what I do have while at the same time working to help make someone else feel a bit better just may do the trick?  The person I smile at or talk to or hold the door for, may be feeling the exact same way I do and not know how to find relief from it.  In the end, I will not only be helping myself but "my fellow man" as well.

 

 

Today, I'd like to start a GRATITUDE list.  Anyone who wishes to add something they are thankful for, please feel free to post it here.

• My wonderful son.