With Thanksgiving being next week, we often use this time to start thinking about what we have to be thankful for. If you’re like me, it has been difficult this year to remember all those reasons since it has been a year full of let downs, complaining, and doing without. This year has been so stressful and has brought so much sadness and depression. So many have lost so much. However, it’s times like these when we need to search so much deeper for reasons to be grateful. We’ve all heard it before, the more we think negatively, the more negative will come our way. Now more than ever, we need to force ourselves to think positively.

Personally, this year started off pretty great. My life was full of all sorts of things. My kids were in school and thriving. They were going to scouts every week. My younger son was taking guitar lessons. My older son already had two summer camp trips planned with the scouts. My direct sales business was booming. I was working my other two part-time jobs like normal.

Then the pandemic slammed on brakes in front of us. The kids started learning virtually, and I started working from home. Scout meetings stopped, guitar lessons started being virtual, scouting events were being canceled left and right. It was absolutely horrific trying to get my kids to do school work, while at the same time trying to get my work done. I literally was having meltdowns every day. I was to the point that basically the only thing I was thankful for was a couple of bosses who were flexible and understanding.

With time, we got used to the empty schedule. I even started to enjoy the lax routine. The kids got really lazy and bored. We all endured some cabin fever. The slower times gave us the opportunity and motivation to explore some local parks. Even though the playgrounds were closed for most of the summer, we were still able to walk around the parks and enjoy nature. I got some much needed extra yard work done. I also finally had the time to do some extra organizing and cleaning in the house.

When it was time for school to start back, we were reminded once again that things were still not normal and wouldn’t be for a long time. I had to think about making the tough decision of what was best for my kids and our family… virtual learning, hybrid learning, or school full time. The school would end up making the decision for us though. The kids were back to learning virtually. I was back to juggling their schedules with my adult responsibilities. The past eight months have been insane, and have kept us all asking those famous last words “what else could go wrong?”

This year had definitely been a tough year to be grateful for anything. It’s incredibly hard to see past the negatives when they are constantly shoved in our faces. However, here are some things, aside from the norm, I have been thankful for this year (in no particular order)

• I’m thankful my kids have (for the most part) rolled with the punches.
• I’m thankful I had a “break” in my routine.
• I’m thankful I have been able to work from home.
• I’m thankful I have been able to pay my bills and buy groceries.
• I’m thankful for a few really close friends that helped keep me sane this year.
• I’m thankful my family has remained healthy.
• I’m thankful (and am always thankful) for the love and support from family and friends.

I have a challenge for you this week. Take some time each day to write down what you are truly thankful for. To get the juices flowing, start with responses such as “I’m thankful for my family, my health, my home, my job, etc.” After that, I want you to dig deep, and really think about all the things you have. If you tend to think negatively first, feel free to start with something negative, but then find two positives in there as well. For example, you may only be able to think “I hate my job,” but you can turn that into being thankful you have a job, and because you have a job, you’re able to pay your bills.

I would love to see your list. When you have finished, send it to me via my contact page.