Topic of the month from Sawtooth Mountain Clinic and Cook County Public Health and Human Services - December 1, 2020

Gratitude Schmatitude:
On being grateful when everything stinks
 

“ Bah! ” said Scrooge, “ Humbug! ”  from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

The arrival of the holiday season brings with it more than just some time off from work.  Holidays are important landmarks that help us navigate our way through the unfurling of our lives, and their traditions connect us to other people, places, and times.  

But this year, instead of our traditions bringing us joy and comfort, COVID has twisted some of them into sources of risk.  This year we have to choose between being with our loved ones and keeping them safe, and this choice has left many of us feeling resentful, worried, and lost.  

In the face of this struggle, we’re often implored to put down our sadness and anger, plaster smiles on our faces, and count our blessings.  But how do we do this when the bad news just won’t stop coming and our lives keep feeling smaller and smaller?  Perhaps an additional question is - should we?

This month in "Gratitude Schmatitude," we explore:

The benefits of negative emotions.
What it means to have a both/and holiday.
When it's a good idea to STOPP (and how).
The kindness/gratitude connection.

Follow this link to acesss the newsletter.  https://sawtoothmountainclinic.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/gratitude-schmatitude.pdf  Or you can access the newsletter in the attached PDF.

Remember - we have a whole library of newsletters that cover topics from "Positive Psychology" to "What Will We Make of This?",  and a whole lot more.  Check them out!