Taking time to strengthen my gratitude muscle
Gratitude has become something of a buzz word and because of that, it seems that some people roll their eyes at the concept.
When you walk into a local clothing boutique and see shirts with slogans like “Gratitude Over Attitude,” or “Grateful, Thankful, Blessed,” it’s easy to forget that gratitude is a powerful energetic force that squelches negativity and helps us remember that life is fleeting and wondrous.
Although it’s sometimes hard to be grateful because we’re evolutionarily wired to be on the defensive, I’ve been working hard at strengthening my gratitude muscle and thinking about a few things lately that make me smile. In sharing these with you, my hope is that you’ll take a look at your own life and allow goodness to reside in the forefront of your mind instead of stress or anxiety.
Daffodils, Bradford pear trees and eastern redbuds are bursting forth with color at every turn. One day I was driving around with nothing but drab scenery out the window when before I knew it, there were pink and white blooms dotting the sky and pretty little yellow flowers bespeckling the ground. This is always my sign that spring is arriving, and after many months of cold weather, I sure am ready to feel sunshine on my shoulders and watch Mother Nature awaken.
I’ve been spending a lot of hours with my 15-year-old behind the wheel and am finding it thoroughly enjoyable. I’ll admit that the first few times rattled my nerves, but I very quickly realized he knew what he was doing. Since I’m in “instructor” mode when he’s driving, I’m present and mindful in the moment which makes the experience more memorable and relaxing. There’s also this part of me that knows when he turns 16, he’ll be driving himself around to school, athletic practices and friends’ houses, so I’m soaking up as many minutes as I can before I’m no longer needed in the car with him.
My younger son recently had strep throat and on the first day he was sick and home from school, we hunkered down and binge watched “Young Sheldon.” If you haven’t heard of this show, it’s about a boy genius trying to navigate the complexities of everyday life while living in East Texas with his middle-class family. If you’re familiar with the Big Bang Theory, this show is essentially its prequel. It’s set in 1989 so the clothing, set design, music, toys, games, shows, appliances, everything, reminds me of my own childhood. That, along with incredible acting, great writing and humor, has made watching this show a favorite pastime of our family as of late.
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Witnessing N.C. State win five games in five days to earn the title of ACC Champions was a highlight of the year for me, considering I’m an N.C. State alum and have been a faithful fan for many years, despite their lackluster performance in the more well-known sports like basketball and football. My sons are now big Wolfpack fans so to watch their excitement over the Pack’s victory last weekend was a cherry on top. Along with this Cinderella victory, N.C. State had a great year in football, cross country, gymnastics and wrestling, so the future looks bright for the red and white. Let’s hope they can keep the momentum going into the NCAA basketball tournament.
I’ve been trying hard to be intentional with rest and relaxation. I’m reading a book called “Limitless” by Jim Kwik and it cites a number of studies about how rest and rejuvenation increase productivity. We live in a hustle-bustle society where we scurry around to get ahead and check things off lists. As a society, we’ve forgotten how to find fulfillment in downtime. Other countries and cultures are quite skilled at this, prioritizing naps, hobbies, exercise and time with loved ones. I’ve been prioritizing activities like reading a good novel, scheduling time to be with friends and family, taking walks or working on a crossword, which slow down my nervous system and allow me to feel recharged before getting back to work.
A lot of people consider having a drink in the evening or scrolling through social media as “relaxing,” but studies show that both of these activities actually trigger the stress response within our bodies so while they appear to be relaxing, they are anything but. If you truly want to relax, put away the devices, hydrate with water or herbal tea, and engage in activities that are good for your soul.
There are other things that have been making me smile like decluttering, listening to good music, trying new recipes, watching my kids participate in sports they love and planning summer vacations. Recognizing the small activities and moments that bring joy help magnify them in my life. If we don’t know what makes us happy, how can we factor more of it into our world? If you’re feeling high strung or activated, my advice is to slow everything down and take pleasure in the easy and simple things that offer light to your existence. Believe me, it’ll be worth it.
(Susanna Shetley is a writer, editor and digital media specialist who lives in Haywood County. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..)
