The Gratitude Division - July 2023

It's easy to focus on the negative; it takes no effort at all. Noticing all that is wrong is the default mechanism of our minds. It's a survival skill, really. We notice threats more easily than joys because they are more likely to harm us. But that default position isn't super helpful in day to day life. It biases our thinking and makes it seem as though our lives, other people, and the world around us are worse than they actually are. If you don't challenge that bias, it can start to seem as though that pessimistic world view is accurate.

But I promise you, it's not. Not that terrible things don't happen or threats don't exist - they do. But they're not the whole story. There is beauty and wonder and awe to be found out there too.

So, for the sake of your mental health, take a few minutes each day to pause the doom-scrolling and see if you can name three things you feel grateful for. It can be as simple as the smell of your morning coffee or noticing a cloud shaped like a rabbit. Be grateful for your home, your family, your health, the opportunities you've been given, or the challenges that made you stronger. Whatever random thing made you smile today - for just a moment, pay attention to that instead. It's good for your brain. 😊 🧠

The Gratitude Division series is a monthly round up of my favourite things from the past month. I'm not going to try and sell you anything. It's just my way of sharing the things I'm grateful for and I encourage you to join in with me!

A book I read - The Wisdom of Crowds, by Joe Abercrombie. 

I loved this series and am sad it's done - this is book three from his The Age of Madness trilogy. I didn't think anything could possibly measure up to his first trilogy (The First Law Trilogy - it's like, if the lord of the rings and game of thrones had a baby); that one was so spectacular that not much could beat it. But this trilogy was just as good. The author portrays really complicated characters SO amazingly well. I also listened to this on audiobook and I think that the narrator, Steven Pacey, is one of the best voice actors out there. Not exactly the happiest of subject matter, but so thoroughly engrossing that it was a wonderful escape.

A song I listened to - Another Love, by Tom Odell. 

This isn't a new one (from the 2012 album, Long Way Down), but I recently rediscovered it in an old playlist. It's full of grief and will break your heart, but it's also full of the persistence that keeps us moving forward in the face of loss. I just love it!

A restaurant I went to - OEB Breakfast Co.

My friend Banji has been recommending this restaurant to me for years and I finally made my way to the downtown Edmonton location to try it out. Wow! What a treat. My husband had the classic breakfast and the potatoes were mouth-watering. I had the avocado toast with some eggs on top - so yummy! We will definitely be back.

And last, but not least, I was really grateful for the cold and rainy weather on the Canada Day long weekend. I know that sounds weird, but I was resting to try and heal a tendon strain - the cool and drizzly weather was perfect for staying in and reading a book. It was just what I needed to heal and, thanks to the weather, I didn't feel like I was missing out.

Post in the comments - what are you grateful for this month?

With joyful abandon,

Petrina

If you're looking for a licensed mental health professional in Alberta, Canada, feel free to check out my website - Calder Mental Health Services. Appointments available Thursday evenings (online) and Saturday mornings (in person or online); you can book through my website!