Developing an attitude of gratitude may be a useful exercise for an overwhelmed caregiver. The role of caregiver is fraught with responsibility, worry and often the feeling of what’s going to happen next. Caring for a sick loved one can be chaotic, and add to negative thinking.
Developing an attitude of gratitude can help. Our attitude can affect not only our outlook on life, but the care given. The deliberate mental exercise of making a list of ten things we are grateful for produces a positive outlook on life.
My own care giving experience was very emotional and stressful. My dad was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. Facing his death while caring for him stretched my fragile emotions to the limit. At forty my coping skills were poor and underdeveloped. Home schooling my two sons added to stress.
During this time of my life a gratitude list was a foreign concept. Learning about this coping skill did not occur until many years later during my journey of grief over my dad’s death. This coping tool would have been a wonderful benefit during my dad’s declining health. Continuing this mental exercise to this day has helped me to keep depression at bay.
Developing and attitude of gratitude can be a challenge. Difficult seasons of life can drain us. Finding something, anything to be grateful for seems impossible. Starting with the basics can help.
Gratitude List
- The sun shining
- The birds are singing
- a friend (be specific)
- The loved one you are caring for
- Any sleep you may have gotten last night
- A roof over your head
- Food in the pantry
- _______________
- _______________
- _______________
Your spirits may be lifted a little higher by the time your list is complete.In conclusion this daily exercise can help train the mind to see all the goodness God has provided in life. Sometimes we all need a reminder that life is good, and God is good…all the time.
Fill your thoughts with what is good:
Philippians 4:4-9 American Standard Version (ASV)
© 2019, Nanette M. Holloway, All Rights Reserved
