Contributing credit: Chief Sam Digiovanna and Michael Berk
As the holiday season approaches, the lives of First Responders grow busier. Between shifts at work and home life, there are many commitments to balance. Many have been thinking about their plans, who’s cooking, if they will be on duty, if they should eat both the turkey and ham, take a vacation instead, or how to best avoid certain family members.
We should guard against the stress the holiday brings. Instead, it should be a day to reflect on the many blessings in your life and carry this heart of gratitude with you throughout the year.
Attitude or Gratitude?
Gratitude as a religious value teaches us that we are obligated to thank God for our lives each day we wake up. We are to be grateful for the meal we enjoy; for every evening we spend in our homes which shelter us from the elements; for the clothes we wear; and for the relationships which add depth to our lives.
Not to mention, we are part of the best careers ever: public safety! Think back to when you were working towards becoming a First Responder. You’d do anything to become a firefighter, police officer, dispatcher, corrections officer, DA, or emergency medic. Did you lose your spark? Rekindle it! Developing an attitude of gratitude takes little effort, yet many of us need a refresher on how to reignite what we have.
Be Intentional
Be grateful. Take time to forgive others. Take time to relax. Don’t overschedule yourself. Build some extra time into your day so you can talk (and listen) to family and friends, enjoy your meal and genuinely for being together.
Stop and take note of the things in your life that are good, instead of focusing on the current – and often inconsequential – things that seem to be going wrong. The administration, pay raises, assigned to a new station after the first of the year. Think of all you are blessed with rather than dwelling on the negatives.
If you don’t, negativity can become a bad habit if you don’t take stock of the good things in your life. Don’t take anyone or anything for granted. You are not “owed” anything. Keep your attitude away from complaining.
Reminders!
If you find yourself complaining, you might want to try some of the following tips to remember just how much you have to be thankful for.
• Stop and Smell the Roses. Or apple pie. Take some time out to acknowledge the good things around you. Warmth. Safety. Food. Look at the world around you from a different angle.
• Do Something for Someone Else. If you are focused solely on your own problems, one of the best ways to break the cycle of negativity is to go out and do something for someone else. Volunteer at a foodbank, cook dinner for an ailing neighbor or help with a community project. The point is to change your focus and do something good for another person. These types of activities can radically change your mood and put your own situation in perspective.
• Talk About the Good Things in Life. Even if it feels awkward, say something positive. Break through the barrier of negativity that you are trapped in. Vow to say something positive at least once a day for a week. You likely will be surprised by the power of your own thoughts and words on your mood.
Like you, I am blessed with great family members, loyal friends a great job as well as the opportunities God has provided me in life. I appreciate the people who have worked with and for me over the years. You should to. Even your agency’s management, immediate supervisors, and coworkers. Be thankful. You could have it worse. Think of the calls you’ve responded on within the past month. Still feel the need for a pity party? In short, we can always find something to be thankful for. That’s the humility we should become familiar with. Whether or not you believe in God, realize how blessed you are. Don’t wait, don’t procrastinate. Start right now and be thankful!
First responders and their families experience more acute stress and trauma than the general population, and the statistics are staggering. With years of experience serving First Responders, our Family of Companies has a distinctive view of their career and family life – from new recruit training, wellness visits, peer support services, counseling, crisis support, department training, and long-term treatment. We are here to help. Email info@frhealth.com or call 888.443.4898 to connect with our culturally competent team.
