It is so easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life; so easy to overlook the good that happens all around us.  We are, after all, only human, and we forget to notice the joys.  Unfortunately, it can become natural to us to both notice and dwell on the trials and the hardships we see and experience, and overlook the good.  There is something to be said about the proverbial “silver lining”.  In a time when so much is uncertain, it is more important than ever to count our blessings.  After all, research has linked gratitude to improved health, stronger relationships, increased optimism and greater happiness.

The Impact of Gratitude

In our line of work, we see much that is negative.  So much loss and heartache.  It is easy to get lost in it.  Continually, our hearts reach out to those we serve, helping them to deal with their unique situations, and giving them back their space.  It is amazing for us to see light return to their eyes as they realize they are “not in this alone” and that someone has their back.  It is an honor and a privilege for us to provide that, and something that we take very seriously.  Our crews strive to be that ray of “hope” for our clients; to give them something they can hold on to and have a bright spot in the despair they are feeling.  Having an Attitude of Gratitude, and looking for the blessings around us–even in the midst of hardship and despair, not only helps us, but helps us to elevate those around us.

Gratitude is not about denying life’s difficulties; it is not pretending that everything is fine.  After all, the difficulties remain whether we choose to face them or not.  Rather, Gratitude is about choosing where to focus your energy; about what you choose to dwell on in each situation.  It is turning our focus from what is missing to what is already in our hands.  Gratitude helps to bring things into perspective, and brings balance.  Sometimes, for our clients, it is simply giving them that branch to hold on to; the knowing that it is going to get better, while we work to improve their situation–no matter the type of biohazard cleanup we are working on for them.

When we express gratitude to our clients for trusting us during their most difficult times, it is genuine.  As we perform our work, they see that sincerity in action.  And looking for the good, and working towards things getting better, we have found to be infectious, and everyone’s loads are lighter.

Simple Ways to Cultivate Thankfulness

It isn’t always easy to look for the good.  Especially when we have one thing after another go wrong.  Someone we love passes away unexpectedly; the car breaks down–and at the most inopportune moment; an unexpected doctor bill comes; and the list can go on and on.  Breaking this negative cycle can be difficult.  In the midst of this we may not notice the friend who is there to hold our hand and listen to our heartache; the mechanic who gives us a discount; the unexpected lower cost of monthly expenses that allows us to pay that unexpected doctor bill.

Sometimes, we need to break the cycle of noticing the negative so we can build our Attitude of Gratitude.  Here are some simple things you can do to cultivate thankfulness:

• Journal your Gratitude:  Make a daily list of 3-5 things (or more) that you are grateful for.  Be specific–rather than saying “food” say “the home-cooked meal my mom made”; rather than “good weather” say “the warmth of the sun and beautiful blue sky.”
• Be Mindful:  Pause.  Look around. Notice.  Simple sensations of sight, touch, and hearing can help us to notice things we are truly grateful for.
• Express your Thanks to Others:  Send a text.  Write a thank you note.  Or simply bring it up in conversation.  The key is letting the people in your life know that they are valued.  Be they family, friends, coworkers, clients… You get the picture.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We here at Pacific BioResponse Services wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, and that each of us can take more time in our lives–not just during the holiday, but every day–to find the bright spots and focus on what is good.  To count our blessings, and Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude, leading to a richer, brighter, and more fulfilling life.