In the Spring of 2017, I was struggling. I was experiencing constant, daily anxiety and sadness. I found it difficult to focus on anything besides the negative thoughts about myself that were swirling around in my head. As the month of April was coming to its end, I decided to try something different. I decided to start a gratitude practice on Instagram and encouraged others to join by using the hashtag #MayIFindGratitude.
Every day for the month of May, I posted about something for which I was grateful. Some days were easier than others, as I continued to struggle with my own mental health. The days that felt like more of a struggle ended up being more beneficial, as I forced myself to create or find that something for which to feel grateful. By the end of the month, I found myself in a better mental and emotional state. I felt more connected to my support system. I felt more connected to nature and the beauty around me. I felt more connected to myself.
This is now the fourth annual practice of #MayIFindGratitude.
This has been such a difficult time for all of us. Re-entering the world in the next month or two will likely bring up some anxiety, as we go into it knowing the potential risk. I believe that we could all benefit from a daily gratitude practice, especially while we continue to cope during these uncertain times.
I hope that you will join me. You can choose to post about it online and use the hashtag. You can choose to encourage your friends and family and share these daily moments of gratitude with them. Or you can choose to keep it private and journal about it, just for yourself. I encourage you to take a moment each day in the month of May to find something to be grateful for – whether it is a beautiful sunset, message on the sidewalk, or a great cup of coffee.
This year, I also want to encourage kindness to others. Many of us are struggling financially, as businesses have been on hold, with reduced hours, or permanently closed. I encourage you, if you are able to, to donate to a cause that matters to you. Let’s help support one another during this difficult time. For those who choose to donate in the month of May, you can email or message me on my social media accounts a confirmation/receipt of that donation and I will mail you a Therapy Girl logo sticker (while supplies last). Any amount of donation, as every little bit counts!
I will include some suggestions for places that would greatly benefit from your kindness:
- Aliento
- Puente Human Rights Movement
- Arizona Undocumented Workers Relief Fund
- Florence Crittenton
- Free Arts
I look forward to sharing in this month of gratitude with you.
