September 24, 2020 update
Can we still find gratitude given that with nearly four years of Trump, we are a nation divided, angry, and in chaos?
Ruth Bader Ginsberg is not yet buried, but Republicans are already looking to replace her.
Trump is ignoring bounties put on the heads of our soldiers by Russia as Sen. Tammy Duckworth reminds us each day.
Through his bravado and ignorance, Trump is responsible for 200,000 American deaths due to COVID-19.
I can go on, but it would be too depressing. However, a look back to 2016 might energize us for Election Day.
Boston: Nov. 19, 2016: How can we find a way to be grateful about this election and move forward?
1. Be grateful for time to mourn. Let the seriousness of our nation’s precarious situation sink in.
2. Be grateful for Hillary Clinton. She showed us that a woman can run for president, win the popular vote, lose the election because of the antiquated Electoral College, and concede graciously.
3. Be grateful that we live in a country where we can protest. And be grateful to the thousands of young people organizing to do so from schools and colleges and encouraging business professionals and professors to join them.
4. Be grateful that there is a mid-term election. Work now for change.
5. Be grateful that we have the American Civil Liberties Union to defend the people whose rights are at risk.
6. Be grateful that we live in a nation enriched by diversity. Do we show love and perform random acts of kindness to our neighbors or strangers often enough?
7. Be grateful for charitable organizations such as those that help young people learn to read and stay in school. Keep in mind that Planned Parenthood, which supports women, is at risk.
8. Be grateful for environmentalists who are educating us about the need to protect our planet. We are threatened by a president-elect and his cronies who do not believe in climate change.
9. Be grateful to President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. They are role models who behaved with dignity in the face of Trumpian bullying, insults, and innuendos.
10. Be grateful that you have the power to re-wire your brain for gratitude. Loretta Graziano Breuning, Ph.D., taught us that we simply need to spend three minutes a day or one minute three times a day for 45 days to build a positive pathway. Read how in my talk with her in “Train Your Brain for Gratitude.”
1. Be grateful for time to mourn. Let the seriousness of our nation’s precarious situation sink in.
2. Be grateful for Hillary Clinton. She showed us that a woman can run for president, win the popular vote, lose the election because of the antiquated Electoral College, and concede graciously.
3. Be grateful that we live in a country where we can protest. And be grateful to the thousands of young people organizing to do so from schools and colleges and encouraging business professionals and professors to join them.
4. Be grateful that there is a mid-term election. Work now for change.
5. Be grateful that we have the American Civil Liberties Union to defend the people whose rights are at risk.
6. Be grateful that we live in a nation enriched by diversity. Do we show love and perform random acts of kindness to our neighbors or strangers often enough?
7. Be grateful for charitable organizations such as those that help young people learn to read and stay in school. Keep in mind that Planned Parenthood, which supports women, is at risk.
8. Be grateful for environmentalists who are educating us about the need to protect our planet. We are threatened by a president-elect and his cronies who do not believe in climate change.
9. Be grateful to President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. They are role models who behaved with dignity in the face of Trumpian bullying, insults, and innuendos.
10. Be grateful that you have the power to re-wire your brain for gratitude. Loretta Graziano Breuning, Ph.D., taught us that we simply need to spend three minutes a day or one minute three times a day for 45 days to build a positive pathway. Read how in my talk with her in “Train Your Brain for Gratitude.”
Copyright 2016 Rita Watson / updated 2020
- Ten Reasons to Find Gratitude Despite Election Shock from Psychology Today