Often a small daily dose of practicing gratitude will make such a difference. When you start feeling down or thinking you’re having a terrible week or month, see if you can, even if for a few minutes, look at the glass as being half full instead of half empty. Start feeling thankful for things you have right now. A best friend or a supportive family? Food to put on the table? Loved ones, little ones or furry ones around to give you a hug when needed or pat you in the back or to chat with you when you need to talk? (Or lick your face or brush by your legs, depending on your pet) How about that clean air you are able to breathe in? Or just the fact that you are able to breathe? A bed between two walls and under a roof to sleep safely in? You may start to notice that what seemed like little things before are actually quite beautiful parts of life that you have the privilege of experiencing. Practice this daily, perhaps when starting your day, ending your day, or in the middle of the day when stressors start building up. In fact, why not do it both at the start and end of your day? Keep practicing it daily. You likely will start to feel a sense of hope and positivity flowing through you. Don’t forget, if that flower was able to keep growing and bloom despite harsh conditions by the bottom of a rock, you too can. Start today.
Have a wonderful rest of the week and don’t forget to repeat this little practice at least daily.
Take care,
Dr. Efe Sahinoglu with Birmingham Direct Primary Care
