I’m feeling rundown, friends. Tired from the news, angry for friends and loved ones and innocent strangers being targeted and persecuted. If I let my mind wander, it’s easy to move into a space of anxiety about what’s coming down the line. 

Keeping myself grounded and staying on top of self-care can be challenging in all of this. I know that the more I stay present to what I’m doing, my physical actions, where I am in this moment, the better I feel. But the old habits of worry can be tricky to avoid repeating. 

So I feel like now, more than ever, centering my day and my mind on gratitude is essential. 

Photo credit: Alex P

I’m grateful to be in a community (multiple, actually) where I feel seen and valued. 

I’m grateful to have a warm and comfortable apartment, with food in the refrigerator, running water and plumbing, and even a washer and dryer (something I’ve often lived without). 

I’m grateful to have hobbies and work that bring joy to my life and fulfill me, from taking walks in nature to solving mystery boxes to making music or coloring or playing games and solving mysteries with family and friends. 

I’m grateful for a husband and a cat who enhance each day with their presence. 

I’m grateful for family and friends around the world who make the effort to stay connected with me, even when it’s challenging to do so. 

I’m grateful to know why I am here and to have more and more tools to help me as I work to fulfill my mission in the world: to help people to create and live a life that they love. 

I’m grateful for my Enneagram Book Club, for all of my Enneagram friends on the journey, and for my mental fitness clients, coaches, and colleagues.

Especially if you’re struggling right now, I encourage you to take a moment, every day, to anchor into gratitude. The small stuff can be especially important to acknowledge.

Is a gratitude practice a part of your life? 

What are you grateful for right now? 

If this was useful, you might want to check out one of my recent, related articles: 

What Uncertainty Teaches Us

New Year, New Who?

Struggling with Motivation? Just Keep Showing Up

Thanks for being here, friend.