The Negativity Bias & How to Remember 2020.

Hey Guys & Gals,

So, I just wanted to share a little exercise that you can to do help you reframe what your body feels or thinks when you hear "2020."  

I know I'm not alone when I say I've been struggling with my gratitude practice this year.  In fact, I've had so many days where I can't think of anything to be grateful for.  So, today, I wanted to share this little practice with you all, so that you can take a look back at your 2020 and create a list of (at least) 12 things (one per month) that you enjoyed and are grateful for experiencing. 

Here's how it works: 

1. Go back into your daily planner or calendar to look up what you were doing in January 2020.  Pick one thing that excites you; that you enjoyed.  It could be a trip you took, a project you started, a date you went on, etc.  Write it down in a list. It can be something big, or something small. There are no rules, just that it is something that excites you or that you are proud of.
2. Do this same thing for each month of the year.  

That's all! It's super simple. But taking a look back and looking FOR the positives vs. the negatives that happened that month will help to change your perspective of the year.  Trust me, it works! 

Check out the video above to hear some of my list! I had some pretty kick ass adventures in 2020, even amidst the pandemic, but my brain's negativity bias doesn't want me to remember them! So, it's time to fool the brain into remembering them! 

I hope this small exercise can help bring you a little smile as you remember some of the good times you experienced in 2020.

-Abby

Resources:

Gratitude Hacks on the Broken Brain Podcast

The Negativity Bias on The Broken Brain Podcast