Gratitude

Thanksgiving not only kicks off the Holiday Season here in the US, but a whole new level of crazy in the veterinary profession as well.

Cranky Clients
Appreciative Clients
Dietary Indiscretions
Foreign Bodies
New Puppies & Kittens
Euthanasias…

It’s an interesting mix of total chaos, holiday cheer, holiday grump, and yummy treats.

The emotional roller coaster is real.

Self Care is critically important during seasons like this.

So what’s your plan?

Mine is Simple Gratitude.

Did you know it’s nearly impossible to be angry and grateful at the same time? It’s just too much of a stretch for our brains to generate and hold thoughts that create the emotions of anger and gratitude simultaneously.

So when I feel myself becoming anxious, overwhelmed, stressed or angry, I find it very useful to divert my attention to what I am grateful for.

Just 15 seconds making a mental list of the all the things I am thankful to have in my life helps balance out the mental weight of all the things I can’t control.

Here’s a sneak peek at a few things that regularly show up on my list…

the Joyful DVM community
family
friends
faith
my pets
other peoples’ pets
coffee
computers & internet access
housing
electricity
running water
changing seasons (remind me of this in January)
music
nature
my ability too choose
the “worst” clients… I’ll be talking about this one Live on the Joyful DVM FB page later today…

What’s on your list, or what’s your strategy for enjoying this time of year?

Cari Wise

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