It's that time of year. November's feast and the holiday season are nearly upon us. People are scurrying about, driven by the anticipation of spending time with extended family. Thanksgiving Day is a day set aside for more than just good food and togetherness. It is a day when people take time to reflect on what they are grateful for in their lives. It is a day when people actually look at their own personal reality in an appreciative manner.
As you meander through the daily grind, it's easy to be consumed by problems, dilemmas, and predicaments that seem inescapable. The attitude with which you face problems is what is significant. Daily life supplies enough challenges. For people living with a chronic disease such as arthritis, there are even more challenges.
You can focus on how weary life becomes when living with arthritis or you can be grateful for all of the little things and big things that make your life happier and healthier. Start writing in a journal or personal diary.
Keep track of the aspects of your life you are most grateful for -- frequently add to the list and re-read it. Your journal of gratitude will help you maintain a positive attitude. Let's look at the most obvious. Are you grateful for:
- medications that relieve arthritis pain and other symptoms?
- treatments and joint surgery which can restore joint function?
- excellent doctors who you depend on for their skill and expertise?
- physical strength and endurance that you still maintain?
- emotional strength and the ability to cope?
- family and friends who truly understand?
- mutual understanding from our online support forum?
Every Thanksgiving, renew a vow to yourself to make your life the best it can be. Be grateful for what you do have. And remember: Part of gratitude is attitude.
