Today is the national holiday where we are encouraged to take the time to reflect on all the things we are thankful for. I guess it’s a good idea to have a holiday all about thanks but in reality, it’s something we need to do every day! When I take the time to reflect on my day and list what I’m thankful for, I feel so much better! My list is somewhat repetitive but that’s okay.
As I struggle to overcome my depression and anxiety, I read everything I see that deals with mental health. It’s surprising how often writing and meditation are listed as important components of coping. It can be daunting to sit down and try to write every day; I’m not very good at it but when I make the effort, I’m always pleased with the result! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not writing anything prophetic – sometimes it’s just a to-do list with comments. It can be all about what’s bugging me – it’s surprising how the “bugs” disappear or solutions suddenly appear. Some days it begins with “I don’t know what to write about today”; it’s interesting to see what comes next! But it always includes what I am grateful for.
Meditation is a harder concept for me. Especially first thing in the morning when I don’t have the wherewithal to get out of bed! But I have found that if I work to direct the thoughts that run through my head as I lie in bed, it can have a very healthy outcome. It takes practice to tell my mind that certain things are off limits but I am getting stronger and more resilient. PTSD is a strong opponent but I can win!
My favorite form of meditation is walking in the woods. I discovered the benefits of walking in the woods several years ago when we lived near Umstead State Park. I never felt alone there even if I didn’t see another soul. I had my girls with me – they introduced me to the benefits of stopping to smell everything and how much fun creeks are.
Once I began to feel the calm, restorative effects of the woods, I began to see faces! Photographing all the faces I see continues to be a favorite of mine. And of course there are the birds, squirrels, critters, and deer that bring joy if you slow down enough to see. Learning about the secret life of trees opened up new avenues of creative thought, the faces in the trees took on new meaning.
So on this day of thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on all you have to be thankful for. My list is sometimes long and sometimes short but it always starts with my children, my friends that stand by me, my family and my good buddy, Tippi. Everything else is just icing on the cake!
