How has your gratitude been lately? Do you feel bored, unstimulated, or lonely from the months of lockdowns? COVID-19 has created a wealth of challenges in the last year. But things are beginning to re-open up slowly as the country get vaccinated. So how can you make the most and start living gratitude again each day?
A Perfect Time to Be Grateful
If you’re like many people in California, you’ve been staying home. A lot. For people who have support in recovery, it’s been quite a burden. Even if you’re able to exercise outdoors or pick up dinner from your favorite restaurant, it’s not the same as before. But there are new and exciting things on the horizon. It’s a perfect time to be grateful because America in general is on a path to returning to things that we’ve missed.
So how can you find your gratitude again? There is still a lot to be grateful for.
Being Grateful for 3 Big Things
The first few months of this crisis were hard for everyone. For example, there was a time last year when no one knew when, or if, we would be able to have a COVID-19 vaccine. Here are some things to think about when you’re looking for gratitude:
- Science and humanity. Humanity wanted to save everyone from the virus. Scientists told us how to stay safe, and have developed a series of vaccines to help protect everyone, especially the most vulnerable. To do that in a year was a great accomplishment for everyone.
- They always say that you never know what you have until it’s gone. The loss of in-person relationships was hard on everybody, but we’re soon going to be able to gather in person again. You probably have held tightly to some relationships. Make sure you continue to value them.
- Maybe you stayed sober and accomplished things. Maybe you stayed sober and were able to simply ride out the storm. You may have even relapsed and come back. The important part: you’re here, you’re sober, and you’re ready to try again tomorrow.
Sobriety and life are both journeys. This past year has been quite a trek, but not everyone experienced the same things during the pandemic.
The good news is that no matter where you are or who you are, recovery is still possible and accessible. This is true for people who are new to recovery and people who have been around for a while. Give yourself a break, and allow yourself to celebrate your small triumphs during the pandemic. And thank your higher power that you probably won’t ever have to experience these trials again.
