Lately I've been trying to incorporate a little more gratitude into my life. I don't have a gratitude journal or any kind of daily routine. Every now and then, I just try to pause my thoughts and focus on what makes me grateful. It's not a life-changing practice but it makes a small, subtle difference that accumulates over time. It's a rare opportunity to focus on the positive, since humans are so good at focusing on the negative.
Earlier this week I had a moment of gratitude that felt really special.
I know working from home has been challenging for many. The truth is, working from home has been quite wonderful for me. Of course I miss my office and my lab mates. But getting to spend everyday with my husband and puppy, having no commute, wearing comfortable clothes, and not wasting time on hair and makeup have been such positive life changes. Also, there are more opportunities for moments like this:
On Thursday, I was working on a manuscript revision at my desk, feeling super exhausted. Jade was curled up in a sunny patch of carpet snoozing. I needed a break and that sunny patch on the carpet was looking pretty inviting. So I slinked out of my chair and joined Jade on the floor. She nestled her head into my arm as I lay flat on my back. The sun was shining on my face. I felt warm and relaxed. It was such a small moment and yet so serene. I was instantly filled with gratitude. Gratitude for having the opportunity to be at home all day while my dog recovers from heartworm treatment. Gratitude for having the space to rest when I need it.
I almost feel like I have to qualify myself by stating that there are things I have struggled with, too. Then again, I don't think appreciating the good things in life means we're denying the bad. It's the precious moments like snuggling in the sun with my pup that give me the fuel to tackle the harder things. Trust that the suffering going on around us is not lost on me. Gratitude is not ignoring the bad. It's paying attention to the good, too.
It's a little scary sharing such a personal moment. Especially because the words probably don't give justice to the actual moment. Nevertheless, I felt compelled to share this intimate moment because, especially these days, it can be pretty damn hard to feel joy. And today I was reminded that even the smallest moments bring joy.
"Self-care" is a tough phrase to define. Probably because it's different for everyone. I'm learning that so much of self-care is found in small, simple gestures. Like taking a break when I need it. Like pausing to feel grateful.
So that you don't walk away from this post empty-handed, I guess my message to you is to notice and savor the good moments; to pause and think about what makes you grateful. Write it down if you want. Or just think about it. Or say it out loud while you're doing something else. The method doesn't matter. All that matters is that you notice.
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