Positivity check: Here’s what I’m thankful for this year

This is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s a time when I think back on the previous year and count my blessings.

After all, it is Thanksgiving week. And don’t get me wrong, I love gorging on foods that I don’t typically eat during any other time of the year, just like everybody else. But I also like to pay some lip service to the people that I am most grateful for. And most importantly, to share that gratitude with them.

So today—and throughout this whole week—I’d like to devote our discussions to the power of positivity and giving thanks. Because in these unprecedented times, it’s more important than ever to look for the silver lining…

Changing the conversation

I realize that for many of us, 2020 has been a truly horrible year. As a nation, we are divided. COVID-19 continues to tear through the population. There are protests in the streets. And many of life’s daily pleasures have been taken away from us, leaving us no escape from these daily realities.

It seems like there’s bad news everywhere you turn—on your social media and on every news station. All of which can be devastating to both your mental and physical health, and your overall well-being.

Believe me, I’m suffering, too. There are many days when I just don’t have the mental bandwidth to do all the things that I used to do during a pre-pandemic day. Or even to be the person I was before all of this began.

I also know that, as we welcome another holiday season, this year’s struggles will be particularly widespread and sharp. But a few weeks ago, I noticed that every conversation I had revolved around how awful everything is. So I decided then and there that instead of drowning in any type of sorrow, I’m changing the conversation—once and for all.

Sure, times are tough right now, and it’s okay to acknowledge that. But moving forward, I’m going to start focusing on the positives—even if it ends up being just the weather. And I encourage you to do the same.

What are you thankful for?

Today’s message is for all of us—whatever religious or political belief you may have. We have to learn how to be kind to ourselves—and most importantly, to others. Let’s start acknowledging our differences without hate. And ultimately, try to find a way to help each other through this.

Because I assure you, we are all anxious and afraid of the uncertainty we’re facing right now. Of what our lives may look like in the future. Of what we have lost in this pandemic, and what we may never get back.

Those are bonds that can draw us together—not drive us apart. And that’s a beautiful silver lining to all of this…

It’s been a long haul so far—eight months and counting—and we still don’t know how this will all play out. So I also recognize that some days, it will be harder to stay positive.

But I encourage you to find a method that works for you. Some people like journaling. Others enjoy daily phone calls (or video calls) with close family and friends. Perhaps you could even find an online support group. Whatever it is, just keep this one simple, common theme in mind: stay positive!

And honestly, I can’t think of a better time of year to kick of this mindset shift, as we all take some time to sit back and reflect on everything we’re thankful for. So, without further ado, allow me to share my list of gratitude with you…

Of course, I would like to start by acknowledging all of those who have lost their lives to this crisis—and by wishing comfort and strength to those families who still mourn.

I would also like to share my gratitude for all of our essential workers. Not just the physicians, nurses, EMTs, and police officers. But also, the ones we often don’t recognize…

Like the people who have kept our food and medication supply steady—the truck drivers, grocers, and pharmacy technicians. Those who keep store shelves stocked with items we use every day—cleaning supplies, toilet paper, toothpaste. The sanitation workers and the bus drivers, who keep our communities clean and help us get to where we need to be. And the many parents and teachers, who are doing a wonderful job showcasing our “new normal” and bringing peace to our younger generations.

There are so many people who have put themselves at risk so that others don’t have to. And I am so incredibly grateful to all them.

I am thankful for the amazing staff at my medical practice. We run a lean and mean machine and I could not do what I do without them. They treat my business with the same dedication that they would their own, and I love them for that—and for so much more.

I am thankful for the incredible team at OmniVista Health. They provide me with such a broad avenue to share my knowledge, experiences, and viewpoints—through my Reality Health Check e-letter, monthly Logical Health Alternatives newsletter, various learning protocols, and social media channels. And they make me look so good doing it!

I am thankful for my health and that I have a platform to share my expertise with so many people—my patients, readers, followers, and the press that turns to me for advice. The word “doctor” derives from the Greek word for “teacher”—and I am forever grateful to be able to do and be that for so many people.

I am thankful for my patients, and who not only trust me with their lives but with the lives of their loved ones. They never cease to amaze me and are a constant source of inspiration.

I am thankful to have found my little rescue beagle Remington, almost 13 years ago. He is my constant companion, who has taught me how to love unconditionally and navigate whatever life throws my way.

And last, but certainly not least, I am thankful for you, my dear reader. Helping you to stay healthy and hearing your success stories is what keeps me going day after day. And as an added token of my appreciation, I’ll be providing a special free bottle VIP code to use on my NuLogic Nutritionals site. All you have to do is continue reading my content throughout the week—you never know when the code will appear!

Now tell me… what are you thankful for? I want to hear from you. So, drop me a note via e-mail: [email protected]. Or follow me on Facebook or Instagram, and leave me responses in the comments.

I’ll be sure to share some of your responses throughout the holiday season, to keep the inspiration flowing well into the New Year. Because goodness knows, we could all use a little more positivity in our lives these days.