Beat the Holiday Blues, Single Mom!

There’s one surefire answer to battle the holiday blues. Your weapon is gratitude. I know it sounds overly simplistic but the best solutions in life usually are.

Inventory your blessings frequently and reject the tendency to focus on the negative. That will never produce anything encouraging in your life or your inner spirit. If in all things you are thankful, you’ll be surprised how your perspective will shift from what you don’t have to the wonderful, many things you do.

Here are 16 things you can be thankful for right now:

1. Your children and their giggles bring pleasure to your life.

2. If you have teens, be grateful that you raised them thus far.

3. You’re kids are grown? Do a little gig right now! What an accomplishment!

4. Do you have a supportive person in your life? Someone that has a smile and encouraging word regularly? That’s a blessing.

5. Do you have a place to live? It may not be your ideal situation, but it’s a piece of good fortune. Recognize it as such.

6. Are you breathing? I’m sure you are. Be happy about that!!!

7. Be thankful for the fact that you have enough strength to read this.

8. Is there a place that feeds your spirit? If so, celebrate that! If not, find one.

9. Do a set of wheels take you from one point of the city to another? It may be a car, bus, bike or friend’s automobile. Focus on the good.

10. Access to technology is another opportunity to be happy and thankful.

11. Did at least one good thing happen to you this past week? One?

12. Does someone else genuinely care about you or your kids? A neighbor, teacher or friend?

13. Does an old song still make you smile? (Mine is “I can make you dance” by Roger Troutman and Zapp)

14. Did you survive a situation that would have broken another woman in two? A divorce, abuse or rejection? Celebrate and be appreciative you overcame that!

15. Is there a guy in your past that you’re THRILLED is gone? Whew! Be happy!

16. Did you get a pleasant surprise this last year?


Could you be thankful for at least three items on the list? If so, you’re blessed beyond reason. There will be days that are so “heavy” that you’ll need a reminder of your blessings. On those days refer back to this list. Soon you’ll find yourself able to smile again and rejoice in the Holiday season – and every day that follows.