Being Grateful for the Blessings in Your Life

The new dawn blooms as we free it
For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.
— Amanda Gorman
National Youth Poet Laureate

Those April showers that came in May have brought the flowers that are here today.

So if it’s raining, have no regrets, because it isn’t rain you know, it’s raining violets.

Yes, May has brought the flowers along with humidity, no-see-ums, and temperatures in the 90’s and preview of what’s to come. It’s more than a year since the pandemic began and we’re fighting our way back to a new normal.  It seems the planet is in its menopause and going through the changes with hot flashes and other quirky behaviors.  What will the new normal look like? I haven’t a clue but am anxiously awaiting its entrance.

I’ve always been an optimist, and now a cautious optimist, but I have much to be grateful for.  First, I’m alive! I feel privileged to be alive!  I have my health, work, leisure life, my fur babies, my beautiful home, my family and friends and love all around me! I can still indulge in my personal habits and thankfully, pay all my bills.  So what’s missing? Compared to what I have, not much.  It’s true that it’s a hassle to wear a mask and keep a safe distance. Perhaps for me, not being able to hug my clients and friends is my biggest deprivation, as touch is my most needed language of love.  No doubt, life has changed but the most salient matters in life, thankfully, I still have.

I am dedicating the month of May and this Newsletter to our blessings.  It’s time to be grateful for what we have rather than what we don’t.  This is not to say that many are struggling and suffering.  I have dedicated this month for tithing to those who need some emotional help.  I am here to help you if you are in need of some therapy or coaching.  Just reach out and ask for what you need.

Not unlike a snake that sheds its old skin, perhaps the planet is doing the same, creating new and better beginnings for all of us.  I know many are leery of getting vaccinated, many still not wearing masks and keeping social distancing.  I believe if we come together and join the effort of ending this pandemic, we will succeed.  Be hopeful, courageous and keep the faith.  If we each do our part, we will be victorious!!

Joan E Childs, LCSW is a renowned psychotherapist, inspirational speaker and author of Do You Hate the One You Love: Strategies For Healing and Saving Your Relationship. In private practice since 1978, she specializes in individual and couple’s therapy, grief therapy, EMDR, NLP, inner child work and codependency. Learn more about her services at www.joanechilds.com.