When you are really struggling to remember anything good, maybe it is time to start keeping track. List positive and gratitude-inspiring things in a running note or voice memo on your phone. Or, write on a printed calendar, record a more detailed description in a daily journal, or post your list on a giant sticky note on the wall.
When you notice one good thing, you will start to see more. Remember, it can be simple things: a conversation, a laugh, a beautiful bird, a great bite of lemon cake.
The power of intentional anticipation:
Being able to look ahead builds up hope and excitement for anyone, but especially for someone who is dealing with tough health issues.
Some people’s schedules only have doctor appointments on them. Those appointments can bring positive anticipation simply because a person has a plan to leave their house. Isn’t that a shame? We can be intentional about building in “appointments” that help our loved one see something beautiful, be inspired by something creative, taste something unusual or delicious, or feel something special. We all need something to look forward to.
By Anita Oldham
P.S. If you missed the first segment in this series, check it out here.
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