What Is Cooper’s “One Good Thing” List?

I think we can all agree that 2020 has not shaped up the way we hoped and thought it would.

While I won't go into the plans I had laid out for 2020 (my losses were tame compared to the losses of many others), the year has not turned out how I had hoped.

While having family and co-workers close helps, there are still days where getting motivated is very hard.  Between the news (political, COVID-19, economic, and other), how much "social distancing" makes even the most basic tasks ten times more difficult, and the constant arguing on social media, life can be draining.

The uncertainty is the worst part.  As the government (state and federal) seems to have no real exit plan, it makes it feel as though there is no light at the end of the tunnel.  Remember how easy it was back in March when we were told to lock down for two weeks in order to "flatten the curve"?  That was easy.  We had a timeframe.  A date on the calendar.  Now, we don't.  Anyway, that's a rant for another day.

So, how do we stay positive and motivated?

This is going to sound kind of goofy, but I started a "One Good Thing" list.

What is it?  It is exactly what it sounds like, actually.  Using my phone, every day I write a short note about something good that happened to me that day.  Generally, it is pretty mundane stuff.  For example, one day it could be that I made it home in time to spend a few minutes with my daughters.  Another day's could be about how I made a batch of great chicken wings.

Basically, I am trying my best to find something positive about each day.  And, if I start to feel down, I can back through that list.

I hope this helps you.