Is Gratitude your Superpower?

This post is about being grateful. Gratitude is a mindset that has the power to change your outlook towards your situation.

A quick search of the definition of the word gratitude explains that gratitude is a feeling of appreciation for the people, circumstances, and material gifts in our lives. When feeling and expressing gratitude it helps us truly live in the moment and focus on the positives in our lives.

As caregivers we often focus on the problems and circumstances that we may need to address and fix. With gratitude, it is not something we need to fix. It is a show of appreciation, perhaps even praise to God. Gratitude is good for the heart and soul!

I started to really think about gratitude after numerous walks around the block. Our dog Amelia and I walk, and my Love drives his powerchair.

I am grateful for those individuals in my husband’s life who take time to greet him, ask about him, pray for him (and me) and show their caring and concern.

It’s a simple thing really. “Hey Rusty, so glad to see you outside!” “Did you enjoy your vacation?” By engaging him in communication, they are showing that he matters. They are addressing him and not just talking around him. Their acknowledgement of the person who matters so much to me, makes me happy.

I am grateful for all these individual acts of kindness.

My list of what I am grateful for does change. Sometimes it takes some effort to name what I am grateful for but when I do the positive results change my life. So how do you increase your gratitude mindset? Let’s begin with these…

Gratitude Journal

The beauty of writing down what you are grateful for is that there is a permanency in the written word. You can go back later and see what you were grateful for on a given day. Take time in the morning with your first cup of coffee before your caregiver world gets crazy. Having time for yourself even if it is a few minutes will ground you, prepare you for the day and start you out on a positive note. Not only will this impact you but will be good for those you care for. Buy or make yourself a journal. Journals can be fun, opportunities for creativity, inspirational and come in all kinds of designs.

Volunteer

I volunteer my time (2 hours a month) to run a Caregiver Group at the church I attend. The beauty of doing something for someone else is that you see the world from a different perspective. We all have our challenges, and when we are confronted by the difficulties others have…we often discover more to be grateful for in our own lives. Not every caregiver can extend themselves for even an hour however, volunteering can take several forms. Sometimes churches, groups, organizations need assistance with assembling items for an event, creating a craft, sending out cards, etc. This can be done at home if you can not get out. Any opportunity to connect with others will lead to positive effects and gratitude.

Treasure the quiet moments

Quiet moments for a caregiver are few and far between. Challenge yourself to seek them out. You will be surprised to see how they will turn into moments of gratitude. I find that 10 minutes on my porch sinking into my chair perhaps closing my eyes can give me a peace and an appreciation for the moment. Working in your garden enjoying the beauty of nature, tending to the plants that need some attention can draw you into a quiet moment that will strengthen you for the day. Find your quiet moments to recharge your reservoir and find your superpower.

Feed your Spiritual Self

I believe we are more than our physical selves. In my day-to-day uncertainty of being a caregiver, I seek my higher power. I bring everything I have no control over and give it to God. I am reminded in Jeremiah 29:11 that God knows the plans he has for us. Knowing that I do not need to know all the answers, for this I am grateful.

“For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Explore your superpower and watch your positive mindset soar.

“Always be rejoicing. Give thanks for everything” Thessalonians 5:16, 18