Having a Bad Day? Have Thanksgiving Every Day

Bad Day? Life not going the way you want it to?

This is the season of gratitude and family gatherings.  It may seem stressful, but it's all in your mindset.  Remember, you can start your day over anytime... You can change your life, and push reset anytime. One way to do this is to find gratitude for what is working - start by making a mental gratitude list of what is positive RIGHT NOW. Then move in that direction with action that improves the quality of your life or day immediately -- even if it's just a change in thought or attitude.

For instance, my gratitude list for the moment looks like this:

1.) It's been a milder, sunny November so -- the utility bills will be lower, yeah! There's only 4 months til spring, and it's been easy to get out without the snow.

2.) The Internet makes connecting with people a finger touch a way.

This doesn't mean we lie to ourselves about the challenging areas of our lives, rather gratitude keeps us from over focusing on the negativity. Often, a bad day is the result of over focusing on a bad moment.  This becomes a bad mood.  Then that becomes a bad day, that then creates the feeling that it's a bad life, a snow ball effect.

When we have mindful gratitude, tackling the more challenging aspects of our lives becomes easier, less stressful, and we acquire the good judgment necessary to make wise decisions that lead us toward improving our lives, even if it's only by not making a bad situation worse.

Try it -- let me know what you're grateful for this Thanksgiving  … in the comments below.  How have you turned a bad moment into a good day?

To Stop or Not To Stop? The Good Samaritan Question

Would you know what to do if you found a person in crisis on the side of the road or at home with a family member acting out?

Would you stop and help or just keep going?  This can be a difficult decision.  Especially, the way the world is today with the uptick in crime, gun violence, and scams. 

Here are few different options:

  

1. Stop, but don't get out of your car, and assist that way.  Keep 911 on speed dial and call for help.  Keep windows closed enough to be safe. Wait for help to come.

2.  For a mental health or drug overdose (OD) emergency or suicide - Call 911, and explain that you want the Mobile Crisis Unit for a person in self-harm danger or OD.  They should dispatch immediately; stay until they arrive, but call for own support, backup, family intervention, etc.  Don't get out of your vehicle alone. 

3.  Carry Narcan with in your car, just in case the person is passed out from an OD.  I have an Emergency Gear backpack in my car, with that and other first aid emergency stuff that the local Sheriff's Dept. put together and gave out to the public. 

4.  There is also a non-law enforcement option.  In New York state, call the 211 PIC (Person-in-Crisis) Hotline or 988 Lifeline Crisis and Suicide Hotline to ask for help.  See the pic below, for more details.  

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988 is more than just a suicidal helpline. It is a direct connection to compassionate care. Anyone can call, chat, or text 988 for support, including anyone having thoughts of suicide, is in crisis or emotional distress, is struggling with substance use, or is experiencing a mental health crisis.

If you or someone you know needs support now, call 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or text 988, or chat at:  988 Lifeline Chat

 

 

Many local people have stopped to help me when I've been stranded on the side of the road with car trouble.  Or needed help with stuff like air in my tires, or groceries.  I am always grateful for this kind support.  We can care and stay safe, and help maybe save a life.  Life is better when we become neighbors helping neighbors.  

Did you find this article helpful?  Please share your thoughts or suggestions!  I would love your feedback.

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