How do you count your blessings?

[Greentoytractor]

My career is going to shit at the moment (back to back redundancies over maternity leave, big step down the ladder) and it's really getting me down to the point that I'm miserable and snappy towards those around me.

I have so much to be thankful for, happy, healthy children, a supportive partner, a roof over my head... how do I focus on the positives rather than dwell on the negatives?

Writing things down. Seeing a doctor to make sure it's not something else (hormone shift) that is making the slings and arrows harder to tolerate. Cardio.

It can be very hard.

Try googling all sorts of things ref dealing with anxiety, gratitude, journaling etc.

Something might pop out that makes sense to you. Once you start the algorithms won’t stop. Looking at you Pinterest.

I try grounding when I’m very anxious (5 things to see etc), or sometimes movement when your body is holding stress (two minute dance).

The fact that you are asking the question means you are already part of the way there.

Learn about human history.

Our careers are so closely linked to our identity that it is so hard when you lose that job - speaking from experience here.
You have also listed some things you are grateful for.
Try to fill your time with things that are satisfying to you - this could be making some home cooked food for your family or spending time on a hobby. I find that doing something helps - decluttering works for me, I find it very difficult so it always feels like an achievement.

I do count my blessings. It’s nice. It’s useful. So is hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.

If you think there is a real risk you might lose your job, maybe polish your CV, read some articles about interview techniques. Anything you can do in a relaxed manner for a couple of hours to prepare yourself. It’s not like that would be a massive waste of time if you don’t use it.

Turn off the social media and concentrate on what is real and vitally important to YOU. What makes you excited? Or do you just want to work enough to get by and have UC make up the shortfall? I acknowledge that I am firmly on team worker not team shirker: I do resent paying for people who work the system, working minimum hours and knowing every possible dodge. I am clever-ish, but not especially caring so I was never going to nurse or do public service. Money is how our society keeps the score and judges success.

Because I grew up before social media existed, but was using computers and elementary coding methods in my 20s almost 50 years ago I still am more comfortable with computers than most people who are 70. It's not good enough now to get a job where digital skills are essential, but I cope better than many people of my age (70, almost) with technology.

In my opinion, the best thing today's MNetters with little children can do to enhance their kids future is to make sure they talk to them all the time, read to and with them, and practice their basic arithmetic. Number bonds and times tables need to be instinctive.

I honestly think writing a gratitude list really helps with things like this. I’m going to do one myself later.
i just number it and keep going, as you start to get past the obvious/big stuff and start to think about your washing machine working and having heating it really does start to shift your perspective.
If you are having trouble thinking of things, try to imagine life without that stuff and it makes you so glad you do have it.

Well if I had worked really hard towards something and it didn't go to plan I'd be a bit grumpy about it too. Sitting with the feeling and not drifting into dwelling is a tricky balance to strike.

I'd recommend having a break and a rethink. A gratitude journal helps, I like concrete plans and next steps. So what will your next step be? Do you want to stay with the company? In a similar role? Go sideways or upwards? Is there anyone who could act as a coach or mentor?

Also as boring as it sounds diet and exercise do make a difference to how you feel.

I start with really small things and build up to all the amazing things that make my life safe and peaceful, compared to the awful conditions millions of other women live in around the globe.

Gosh! you are all so gentle and philosophical.

I'm not reticent. I am also not at all interested in having a safe peaceful life. i only have one to live and I would prefer to make a noise.