Complete Trust & Unconditional Gratitude

As we deal with this Covid-19 pandemic as individuals, families, and communities, we are faced with many uncertainties and worries about our future.

What I have found helps in such troubled times are complete trust and unconditional gratitude. Let me explain. Imagine how life was during the 1918 influenza pandemic. According to the CDC, it is estimated that about 500 million people or one-third of the world’s population became infected with this virus. The number of deaths was estimated to be at least 50 million worldwide with about 675,000 occurring in the United States. That was a period filled with fear, worry, and uncertainties. Yet, humanity survived and thrived. On a personal level, when I was dealing with chronic pain in my back, neck, shoulder, and knees as well as pain and numbness in my legs, arms, and hands, I trusted with all my heart that despite being totally disabled I would recover and live an active life again. And I certainly did. In fact, I thrived beyond my expectations. My story of pain and recovery has become a source of hope and healing for readers around the world. So, starting today instead of trying to survive this Covid-19 pandemic set your mind that you will completely trust with all your heart that you will most certainly thrive beyond your expectation. If you are wondering how such a simple change in your mindset can make a huge difference, watch this TED talk by health psychologist Dr. Kelly McGonigal of Stanford University. She is the author of The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcGyVTAoXEU Now what if you combine that complete trust with unconditional gratitude? Research has demonstrated that 1. Grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and they report feeling healthier than other people. 2. Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, ranging from envy and resentment to frustration and regret. 3. Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression. 4. Grateful people sleep better. 5. Gratitude improves self-esteem. 6. Gratitude reduces stress and may also help in overcoming trauma. And it is good for your relationships! In fact, in Spontaneous Happiness: A New Path to Emotional Well-Being, Dr. Andrew Weil states that the easiest way to overcome depression, be happy, and improve one's health is through developing an attitude of gratitude. So how do you develop an attitude of gratitude? Here is a simple strategy: from the moment you wake up continuously give thanks for whatever you have, see or feel. Keep saying thank you in your mind and your heart. Say it loud when you can or whisper it. But keep saying it. Thank you for my eyes Thank you for my hands Thank you for my feet Thank you for my bed Thank you for my car Thank you for my loved ones Thank you for this email. Lol. You get the idea. So, live every day with complete trust and unconditional gratitude and THRIVE! Stay informed. Stay well.