![Ten Reasons Most of Us Can Be Thankful Today]()
by Angela Atkinson
Gratitude is an important part of manifesting our desires, and when the going gets tough, many of us forget to express our gratitude for the good things in our lives.
Instead, we tend to focus on the tough stuff–and attract more of it into our lives (instead of the things we really want.)
Simply put, the best way to bring more good into your life is to be happy and grateful for the good things you’ve already got.
So, when you feel like nothing is going your way, take a moment to think about the things that are working in your life–the good stuff.
Ten Reasons You Can Be Grateful Today
1. You woke up this morning. You have been given the gift of another day of life.
2. You have a place to live and a silverware drawer. (Read more about my philosophy on the silverware drawer here.)
3. You can move your body and get from point A to point B.
4. You have a family–whether a biological/adopted family or good friends.
5. You can read.
6. You get to decide how you feel today.
7. You can write your own story.
8. You have clothes to wear.
9. You have food to eat.
10. You have access to a computer.
There we have it–ten simple things that you and I can be grateful for today!
So tell me…what are YOU grateful for on this beautiful day? Share your thoughts in the comments section, below!
by Angela Atkinson
I don’t know about you, but some days it’s harder than others for me to find my “happy place.” Everyone has had times in their lives when they feel overwhelmed, over-extended–over it all. And, when times are tough, we all need a little boost to help us find that place within ourselves that brings us back to center. That’s what prompted me to write a post awhile back, aptly titled How to Find Your Happy Place…Even When Life Sucks. Because sometimes, it can really feel like life, well, sucks.
But the good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, you get to decide how your life is going to be, and it all starts in your own head.
Recently, I decided to take a poll of my Facebook friends. I asked them a simple question: What makes you happy?
The responses were well-varied–I got some funny ones as well as some serious ones. But ultimately, everyone was able to identify something that brought them joy. And today, I’m going to share them with you, so that the next time you are struggling to find your happy place, to find something for which to be grateful, you can gain a little inspiration from my friends.
You know how the old song goes, right?
“I get by with a little help from my friends.” Well, this time, you’ll get by with a little help from my friends. And so, without further ado, here are some of the things that bring my friends to their happy places.
“My son.” ~Danielle
“The little things in life…a smile, a simple thank you, a kind word and a hug, and I love you just because. Bigger things: my family and believing some day I will find a sense of peace in this life of madness sometimes.” ~Terri
“Music, more specifically classical music.” ~Carrie
“Seeing my kids happy.” ~Karen
“Being read to. I was told by a college professor that I would appreciate being read to one day. I didn’t believe him until I started working full time in a cubicle. Thank God we are allowed headphones. And thank God we organize our libraries to share audio books retrieved from the library.” ~Kristopher
“My husband, and going to church. Also, memories of my mother and my Aunt June, who are both now gone.” ~Jeanne
“My husband and kids when we are not fighting, my dog when he is not pooping in the house (or getting sprayed by a skunk), coffee, baking and eating, cooking with my husband, rocking my grandson to sleep, playing with my grandson, making crafts, giving a handmade gift to someone and seeing their appreciation, sex, flowers, chocolate, sunshine, rain showers, snow, quiet times, times full of noise and laughter, reading a good book, reading quotes and appreciating someone else’s wisdom, a smiling face, music, artwork, my house when it’s clean, my car when it’s clean, going out dancing with the girls, going out to the movies with the girls, holding hands with someone, dessert, hugs, talking to people, sharing my passions, listening to people and being excited for their passions, signs of spring after winter, signs of fall after summer, a freshly laundered and made bed, cute shoes, clothes that flatter my figure, when my husband tells me how well something flatters my figure, learning new things, humming birds at the feeder, deer walking through camp in the evening, counting my blessings and feeling content.” ~Jen
“Laughing gas, hard to come by unless with whipped cream or dental work.” ~Neil
“The little things (that really are big things) that pop out of your children’s mouths that surprise you! Like…”I love you, Dad,” or “Dad, where is God now?” A campfire on a chilly frosty night…I love it when you turn your backside toward the flames and you look up at the stars! Seeing a plant or flower finally bloom that you planted! Seeing or feeling my wife’s hand in mine. (that one really makes me happy) passing a test I was certain I would flunk! Sun on your face early in the morning when you wake up during the cool of the morning. Doing something new and adventurous. Intimacy…the kind when you are with someone who is just real, no fake-ness and you are completely comfortable with them as a person because you feel no judgment just understanding and acceptance. Writing…” ~John
“Walking both my dogs along the river.” ~Ginger
“Good health and the prospect of a villa in Tuscany.” ~Sylvia
“My grandchildren, good health, and no bills to pay.” ~Monica
“The smile on my children’s faces, my puppies and not fighting with my ex-husband for at least one day out of the week. Times are good.” ~Nicole
“Living, laughing and loving. All three make me happy!” ~Pascha
“A good nights’ sleep. Without a hot flash. I am a simple person.” ~Pam
“Seeing old friends and remembering really fun times! Watching my daughters grow up…playing ball and watching my oldest girl get that devious little smile on her face when she throws the ball hard! Sitting in my ice shanty and hearing the ice crack really loud! It’s scary but I love it! Seeing my wife in a pair of waders and a fly rod in her hand! I really love that.” ~John
So how about you? What makes YOU happy? Tell me in the comments!
