Giving Thanks

With Thanksgiving still fresh in our minds and Christmas rapidly approaching, this is the season of giving thanks for many. Yet for others, the holidays are a difficult time of year. And giving thanks can be extra difficult.

I recognize that I am quite fortunate to have family and friends in my life. Yet that doesn’t mean the holidays have always been a breeze. During severe bouts of depression, it took all my energy to get out of bed. And giving thanks, that wasn’t even on the menu.

The therapy, the medication, these things have made it easier to manage my depression and anxiety. However, they aren’t cures. I still struggle. Yet one thing that I’ve gained over the course of my recovery journey is the ability to maintain a sense of gratitude.

It might sound easy to some, and impossible to others. I’ve been on both ends of the spectrum. One thing that helps me stay on track is a gratitude app on my phone and its daily reminders. And another thing that has helped has been re-framing my expectations.

My gratitude can be about something as simple as the weather, or my favorite sports teams. It can be about family or friends. It could be about global affairs. The broader my focus, the more likely I am able to find something to be grateful about.

Yet I know this might still seem like a struggle for some. Like I said, I didn’t get there without help. And if you need some help, know that we are here at the LegalMind Society to support you with your gratitude goals, with your recovery, and more.

And for the rest of you, may you find some joy from this season of giving thanks.