Practicing Gratitude
May 16, 2020
By Jenna Richardson, LPC
The art of practicing gratitude is extremely important with what is going on in the world today. COVID-19 has completely halted everything in our lives to the point where some don’t know what their next steps will be. I know it can be a scary time for many and sometimes the last thing we want to do is focus on something positive. But if we don’t focus on something bigger, the world could really seem like a dark place. COVID-19 has really put things into perspective for majority of us and many are realizing the need to focus on the positive. By practicing gratitude on a daily basis, you are allowing your brain to recognize and naturally gravitate towards positivity. It may not change your circumstances, but practicing gratitude regularly can improve your mood and resiliency.
What is gratitude? Gratitude is the art of recognizing and expressing the things you are grateful for. And, it is an important discipline to practice on a daily basis. The way I like to express gratitude is to write down 3 things at the end of the day that I am grateful for. Writing things down at the end of the day not only allows you to reflect on your day, but also to see the day as a whole.
Another way to express gratitude is by taking the time to share what you are grateful for to someone close to you. The practice of communicating gratitude to someone close to you increases emotional intimacy by inviting them into your mind and heart, and can be a source of encouragement to them, as well.
Gratitude can also be expressed through acts of kindness, generosity and by helping others. Showing kindness towards another, even to someone you don’t know, can go a long way in a stranger’s world. We often don’t know what others are going through, and a simple act of kindness, help or generosity can encourage another who may be struggling to find gratitude or even strength, within themselves.
In difficult times, gratitude might not come naturally or easily, but the benefits of shifting our focus towards the positive things in life are very clear. This small shift in thinking, leads us to form deeper appreciation of the important aspects and people in our lives, while sometimes blessing and encouraging others, as well. It is gratitude that can sustain us during a crisis or a difficult season, but it also gratitude that encourages us to fully appreciate the good and important things in life.
Jenna Richardson, LPC, is a staff clinician at Transforming Life Counseling Center
“Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you from Transforming Life Counseling Center. May your Holidays and New Year be blessed!”
By Victoria Scoville, LCSW, IMH-E®
By Cindy Rose, M.A., LPC-C
By Caleb Scoville, LPC-S
by Michelle Garrett, MS, LMFT
TLCC often has the pleasure of offering training and CEUs to its staff members and extends these opportunities to those in the counseling community. During our last quarter, TLCC heard from a variety of treatment centers and professionals on mental health topics that expanded our team’s knowledge of resources to better serve our community. Stages of Recovery provided information regarding outpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab in Oklahoma and Texas. Next Level Senior Advisors provided information about the work they do in helping senior adults and their families find the right fit for their loved ones in assisted living. Live Better at Home shared information about senior home care services they offer in the OKC metro area. Please see an overview of each, to determine if you, or someone you know, might benefit from their services and/or the information they provided. Stages of Recovery TLCC wants to thank Linda Morgan for coming to speak with TLCC therapists to tell us more about Stages of Recovery and the great work they do in OKC and Texas. Stages of Recovery is an outpatient dual-diagnosis drug and alcohol rehab, meaning they treat both addiction and any co-occurring mental health conditions. Stages uses a comprehensive model combining psychiatric, behavioral and holistic therapies. For more information, please see the link above. Live Better At Home TLCC wants to thank Jeremy Allen CEO and Kelly Garrett from Live Better at Home for speaking with TLCC staff about the great work they do in the OKC metro area. LiveBetter at Home provides professional home care services tailored to support seniors and individuals needing assistance in the Greater Oklahoma City area. Our services are designed to enhance independence and quality of life while maintaining the comfort and familiarity of home. Our key offerings of personal care, respite care, and virtual care, provide assistance with daily activities such as meal preparation, medication reminders, personal hygiene, light housekeeping, transportation and companionship. For more information, please see the link above. Next Level Senior Advisors TLCC wants to thank Matt Wilson, CEO and Sara Cook, RN from Next Level Senior Advisors for taking the time to speak to TLCC therapists and provide information regarding the great work they do in multiple states. Next Level Senior Advisors is a dedicated Senior referral and placement agency, that specializes in helping families navigate the complexities and transition into Senior Living. They offer personalized consultations; access to a wide network of senior living facilities offering different levels of care, expert advice and guidance through this process, and ongoing support and advocacy. For more information, please see the link above. We want to say a big thank you and Happy Holidays to all our presenters!