Dearest Readers,
Last week was “American Thanksgiving” (as we call it here in Canada) and there was a lot of online content about gratitude. One post suggested that our brains are actually hardwired to focus on problems rather than solutions. What a relief! I thought it was just me.
Because I tend to look for what is wrong instead of what’s right, gratitude is something I need to practice. And I do. In order to change my negative outlook, I will often say the words “Thank you” when my brain is thinking, “F-you.”
Grumbling out loud is also something I like to do when I’m alone. “Grr,” when the snow is blowing back in my face after I’ve just it brushed off the car. “Grr,” when I’m trying to upload a photo and the file is too big. “Grr,” when I’m being asked for a two-step verification for the fourth time.
I am aware of my privilege as I write this. Some people don’t have cars, computers and bank accounts. My problems are definitely first class. Gratitude should be easy.
But “shoulding” on myself doesn’t help. What helps is understanding that “the human brain wraps around fear and problems like Velcro”. Being human is just plain hard and looking for the good takes guts and grit.
Going forward, I’ve decided to try a new practice. When I hear myself saying, “Grr,” I’m going to extend the word and say, “Grr-attitude.”
I’ll let you know how it goes.
On the path with you,
Celia
