As we approach the end of the year, it is always a good time to take a look back and see how far we have come, what to be thankful for and who to thank for everything. It feels like a cleaning service that we can do to our mind, make it fresh to start the new year with fresh energy and fresh perspective.
I have found this approach useful for many reasons. It is like doing new shopping all the time, while we do not put away the ones that should be removed. In effect we start hoarding things, new items coming in while the old one still remains. However, we rarely think about doing the same approach to our life, our mind. so let us take a moment to reflect on what went right, how can we be thankful to what we could accomplish in the year completed.
Recently I was attending a Geriatric Care Manager's conference. In one of the breakout sessions, there was a question about how we manage stress. AS GCMs, as care giving professionals and as professionals associated with providing care, we absorb a lot of stress that goes on in our clients life. This is only natural, the client sees us as someone whom they can open their heart to, share their problems and concerns. It is a gift that we can offer this to our seniors. However, as a result we absorb much of this stress and unless we learn how to handle this, it could affect our health. The speaker suggested a simple solution. Each night before she goes to bed, she meticulously writes down 10 things she is thankful for, in the day. It took a while for me to hit home on the impact of this suggestion. This was brilliant.
When we take a moment to be thankful, we are displacing in our mind "what went wrong" with "what went right". Human nature is such that we all ponder over issues, we search for solutions. And if we cannot find solutions or not happy with the options, unconsciously our mind keeps roaming, searching for better alternatives. similar is the situation when we had disagreeable situations during the day. We continue to be irked about it and play out scenarios in our mind. In short, we are not giving it any rest. Mind, like our body needs rest to recharge.
When we express our thankfulness, we are shifting our mind to more positive aspects of the day or the year. Our anxiety level comes down when we are able to appreciate the goodness in our daily lives. We tend to look at cup half full, not half empty. So friends, let us take a simple step of reflecting on the good things that happened to us during the year. Free our mind of worries and approach the new year with energy, love and enthusiasm. Have a great night everyone.
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