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CROW’S FEET WRITING PROMPT #81-GRATITUDE
Don’t Take Anything for Granted
Especially the little things
“Mounting evidence indicates that there are specific associations between higher levels of optimism and healthier behaviors, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and lower mortality.” This, according to research cited in the National Library of Medicine, is a factor in increased longevity.
One of the fundamental choices we have as we age is to be optimistic or pessimistic about aging and life in general. Many of us who have lived into our 60s, 70s, and beyond may find it increasingly difficult to maintain a positive outlook. Some face personal health or financial challenges; others see domestic uncertainty and global issues as causes for grave concern.
It’s legitimate to feel down on yourself occasionally or to be troubled by external events. Still, obsessing over things you cannot control, doom scrolling, or having a generally sour attitude doesn’t do you any good. Additionally, it could be positively unattractive to those around you.
I’m no Pollyanna, but I do believe it’s much better for our health to have a positive rather than a negative outlook. I’m a firm believer in the saying, “Getting older beats the alternative.”