The holiday season is upon us. Which comes with mixed feelings galore.
I’ve attempted to write this particular post several times. Every time, I am reminded of how little I actually care about Thanksgiving. I don’t enjoy going home to my parents’ on holidays nor do I buy into the appeal of Black Friday.
The holiday itself is founded on the subjugation of an entire population of people that we continue to do harm by allowing the contamination of water supplies.
There is a lot revolving around this holiday that isn’t something I would want to be thankful for.
I once heard that the more aware someone is of the world around them, the more likely they are to become depressed.
I saw this with acute clarity in not only myself but in my peers while in college. Imagine an entire department of anthropology students desperately wanting to find ways to help the world, and learning more problems than feasible solutions. It was overwhelming, and years later I still struggle with depression and anxiety. Partly due to the conditions in our world, partly due to hereditary disposition mixed with a challenging childhood.
There is plenty to be upset about. It shows in my writing, how easy it is to list all that is wrong.
What is harder, is finding things that I can be grateful for. A common symptom of depression is the ease in which we can focus on the negative while disregarding the positive.
That is why I am choosing to try and create a habit of gratitude.
Science has repeatedly shown that there are health benefits to practicing gratitude.
Two of the most notable are the lowering of your blood pressure and reducing instances of rumination which is a hallmark symptom of depression.
I’ve heard and read this in several articles, the power of gratitude, but I’ve struggled to implement it into my daily practices. Which is why, with the helpful reminders of “Thanksgiving,” I’m going to try once again.
Knowing what can help you feel better is only part of the solution. Actually implementing these things that we hear, like “diet and exercise” or “gratitude” can be a real challenge. That’s why I am going to start with small, manageable gratitude goals.
Gratitude Journey
3 things. Once a day.
If you would like to join me in this gratitude practice journey, I will be writing 3 things I am grateful for and the reasons of why or how they happened every day until January 1st, 2020. Then I will be checking in, reevaluating, and writing my 20 for 2020 goals for the new year.
Feel free to share what you’re grateful for in the comments below!
What are you grateful for?
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For those who also struggle with depression, anxiety, or other mental health related challenges; See the JB Doula Services Resources page for contact information of local hotlines.
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