Most self-care blogs say that our happiness can increase if we consciously practise gratitude everyday. You could make notes in a journal or you could drop gratitude notes in a cute jar, whatever works for you! I have tried it now and then in sudden bursts of enthusiasm. I have to admit, it actually makes me feel better, even on those "bleh" days.

However, self discipline is a tricky thing. My self-care rituals often abandon me as my bouts of enthusiasm fizzle out. And on those days, no amount of gratitude can cut through my cloak of personal misery. I mean, how often can you remember to be grateful about the birds chirping in your balcony on the morning after an anxiety-ridden night? Sometimes I can, most days I can't.

However, there's no denying that gratitude is one of the most effective tools at our disposal right now. This is not just to get a glimpse of happiness, but also to remain rooted in much needed perspective that often eludes us. So, here's what I have been trying lately. I may not always be grateful for the sun shining or the fresh smell of rain-soaked soil. But, the last few weeks have taught me to appreciate the freedom that I got used to and took for granted in the pre-Corona era. I call these my gratitude debt, and I'll make it a point to pay it off now.

Here it goes...

The cinnamon sprinkled medium roast coffee that the barista (at our office) handed to me every morning.

Stopping by a roadside tea shop for samosa and chai.

Random banter with co-workers in the middle of a hectic day.

Planning an impromptu trip to my hometown.

Having the privilege of certainty or the semblance of it; I guess mostly the freedom to move, to step out and to believe that my plans are mostly in my control.

Once the world returns to normality (or a forever altered version of it) and I start gaining this liberty back, I hope I will remember to be grateful.

Ophelia

A Moodscope member.