Thank God it’s…. today. This is easier said than done with a crisis all around us. 
Or with us.
Or maybe even within us.

But whatever-the-hell day it is and whatever is going on, we have to find something good in it, no longer reserving “thank God it’s…” for Fridays only. 

These are times when we need anchor points. Being thankful provides them. It brings resilience and optimism. It reduces depression and anxiety. We know this from a multitude of studies. So look for something - anything - good today.

The coffee maker works.
The dog is a good cuddler who doesn’t say the wrong things.
The sun is out.
You are breathing.

And when you feel yourself slipping into the abyss, do it again. There is always something to find.

When my father was dying, I spent his last three weeks by his side. Being with him through decline, diminishing abilities and suffering was brutal. Two things got me through:
my faith and being grateful for anything I could find in the midst of losing my person.

The nurse who tried again to bring physical comfort.
The time we had to tell each other important things.
An encouraging call or text from a friend.
Feeling God right there with me every step of the way.

These, and many other things, were my buoys. Every single day.

Living gratefully doesn’t mean we are thankful for all things. It means we can find and hold onto the good in the midst of all things.

On this same-old-day all over again, look for the buoys, the joy bubbles. Take in every little thing as a gift. Then do it again tomorrow and the next day and whatever-the-hell day it is after that.

Now more than ever, we need something to hold onto. Our gifts, God, Love, and our people are our most powerful somethings. Hold on tight.

(Words of encouragement are never meant to be hoarded like toilet paper. Send this to someone you know and share it on social media. And add your email here so you don’t miss a thing.)