One of the tricks that I remember from my old AA days is Gratitude. Those recovering alcoholics really know how to mine gratitude and how to use it to their advantage. It’s easy how I forget what works, and fall into the shits. Today has been one of those days. Actually, this has been one of those years. Decades. Allright, allright, I’m being grandiose! I’m the shittiest bipolar, ever! Ha! I beat you! I’m shittier than YOU! YEAH! No. That’s not what this is about. This is about gratitude. STFU, ego. At lunch today, I put together a little attitude adjustment, and all it took was a little teensy weensy gratitude list. I didn’t even have to write it down. I just told my dear friend Chris, who kindly tolerates the nickname Crispy Fries. I told Crispy Fries everything I’m grateful for. And ya know what? I FEEL BETTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My mood is lighter!! Yeah! Just like that!! No drugs!! Didn’t cost me a thing!! A little gratitude can go a long way. I am going to practice gratitude this week. My new antidepressant, GRATITUDE.
Positive Psychology talks a lot about that. Apparently writing down three things you’re grateful for everyday is supposed to have the same effect as a mild antidepressant.
Wow what does writing down TEN things get you? Hahaha my crazy extreme personality goes there every time.
I think it’s all about doing it every day for a long time. So, if you can sustain it, go for it.
I did it every day for years. I am going to get back to this practice. Have a happy day!
I did this as a therapy assignment for a while, and blogged a list a few times…. maybe I should get back to it. 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks right back!
I’m doing a “gratitude jar” this year. Basically a little note of good things that happen and things I’m grateful for throughout the year. It is to be opened and read on NYE. I’m really looking forward to looking back at all the good things I know I’ll forget about by then. 🙂
Ohh that’s a GREAT idea!! I bet I would cheat though and break in.
It’s tempting sometimes. I use small pieces of paper then fold them up, and the box has a lid on it. Half the time I forget it’s there.