Thankful. For a little or a lot? What are your top ten reasons to be thankful?
Each year at this time, I’m reminded to remember my blessings. To count them and rehearse them over and over.
Why is this important? Why take the time to do this?
I believe thankfulness is an art.
Think about this with me. An artist is a person who takes time to develop their ability, understanding, and passion in something whether that be painting, woodworking, writing, singing, playing an instrument, landscaping, cooking, baking, etc. There are many forms of art but they all take discipline to develop the art muscle. It takes work.
Being thankful takes work. We don’t think or express thankfulness easy.
“Feeling gratitude isn’t born in us – it’s something we are taught, and in turn, we teach our children.” Joyce Brothers
We need to develop our thankfulness, or gratitude, muscle. It takes daily discipline to master this art. In the last year, this practice of developing my thankfulness muscle has been a struggle on my worst days but always a spirit-lifter, even on those difficult days. Every time I write down what I’m thankful for my list grows.
Here’s my top ten:
10. Appliances: My washer & dryer mean I don’t have to wash my clothes by hand and try to find a clean place to hang them to dry. My stove and oven allow me to prepare food with consistent heat.
9. Senses: I can taste, smell, hear, see, and feel. Through the gift of senses my world is enriched.
8. Home: More than enough space, comfortable, heated or cooled appropriately, and a shelter from the world when needed.
7. Food: I’m blessed to have all that I need to maintain health and can easily obtain more if I need it. Not everywhere in the world is this true.
6. Clean water: By simply turning on a faucet, I have clean usable drinking water. Not everyone does.
5. Ability to process information: A healthy, active brain allows me to not only learn but to process the information in such a way that I can apply it to life.
4. Heritage: My family lineage provides great sense of belonging. Though not perfect, I’m thankful for the lessons taught early in life.
3. Children and Grandchildren: A beautiful blessing. Each unique people who infuse joy into life. Through my grandchildren I’m reminded to see the wonder in small things.
2. My husband: My best friend who loves me to the best of his ability. Not perfect but a fun-loving, tender provider, and strong supporter.
1. Life: Each day is a gift. I’m not promised another day, so every day I wake up is a blessing.
“Keep your eyes open to your mercies. The man who forgets to be thankful has fallen asleep in life.” Robert Louis Stevenson
I remember a time when I had fallen asleep in life. Learning the art of thankfulness has re-awakened me.
What would your list look like? Will you join me in learning the art of thankfulness? I believe part of learning to find the extraordinary in the ordinary is strengthening our thankfulness muscle.
I’d love to read your list. Leave a comment below.
