Right now we are living in chaotic times. We have people dying from COVID-19 in high numbers. Black and brown people are impacted at even higher rates. Many of our love ones and friends livelihoods has been devastated by COVID-19 and the shelter in place guidelines. My mother who is a hairstylist has experienced a significant loss of income due to hair salons being shut down. So many people have lost loved ones and friends.

Yet despite the fact that so many people are struggling. It is still a time to remain grateful. I have been fortunate enough to not have been impacted financially due to being considered a essential worker, but it still has been a challenging time. My son has been home since March doing online school. The toll this pandemic has taken on so many people financially and emotionally. Domestic violent cases have increased. Suicide rates have skyrocketed. It is essential for people to try to take care of their well being. Despite all what is going on I remain optimistic that better days are ahead. Many people are starting to get vaccinated who are most at risk. 

Here are 5 ways you can stay in grateful in difficult times.

*Be of service to your community. One of the most gratifying things you can do is be of service to your community, church, school whatever that may be of importance to you. Giving of your time can look like many things if you have a certain skill such a tech expertise you may teach a basis class for seniors who may not be as tech savvy.

*Pay it forward. Be a blessing to someone in your life by helping them in a small way.

*Write it down. Take stock and write down three to four people who are important to you and why and write it down.

*Make a donation to a non profit. So many nonprofits are working overtime to support people in need of community resources. Making a financial contribution helps to fund programs and services in communities.

*Practice gratitude. Think about difficult times and celebrate the fact that you were able to make it through that time.  Give praise to GOD. 

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, perhaps the opportunity for which to be grateful is spending more time at home with loved ones.

Change your thinking from what you’ve suffered or lost to what you potentially could gain from the moment.

It’s easy to be grateful when you’re full of joy and happiness with where you are in life and what’s happening around you.

Finding gratitude when times are tough is not always simple. However, you still have things to be grateful for, and finding those things can transform your thinking and mental mindset.

The Culture Keeper-