Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Attitude is Gratitude!

I decided to make my first blog about gratitude because I always feel good about life when I realize how much I have to be grateful for. I see so many unhappy people around me and I just want to scream, "But you have a home! Children! A spouse! Your legs! Your Job!". In these busy times it is too easy to forget to take time to appreciate the little things. Sometimes it is the little things that get us through the day when all of the big things seem to be falling apart.
Oprah had it right a few years ago when she told her audience to keep a Gratitude Journal. It is such a simple thing but so powerful - at the end of every day write down 3 things you are grateful for that day. Easy right? Would you believe people have told me they couldn't come up with anything? Not one thing!!!!
So. My challenge to you is this: every day write down or even just think about 3 things you are grateful for. In a month I dare you to tell me you don't feel better about yourself and your life!

I bet you are thinking "Oh yeah Suburban Princess? So what are YOU grateful for? Huh?"

I knew you would want to know!

1. My husband. Yes he annoys me from time to time but he is the best husband anyone could ever have!
2. My son. It was a hard time getting him into the world but he makes me smile every single day. His cuddles make my heart sing!
3. My dog. This little dog used to be the centre of my universe. He was with me through all the times I was home alone when hubby was working long hours. He has protected me, loved me and licked my wounds. Now he has to fight for face time with me but he still never holds a grudge!
4. My home. I hated it at first but it really has become my home. We put a lot of work into it and there is still a lot to do but it keeps me safe, warm and dry every single day. The pool refreshes us in the summer and the fireplace keeps us cozy all winter. The living room has witnessed so many great times - birthdays, anniversaries, dinner parties, Christmas parties and was where I poured my grief out when my gran died.
5. Hot water. Yes! Hot water! It is too easy to take something like hot water for granted! But when it isnt there we know about it! I am grateful every time I turn on the shower and there is hot water.
6. My fat. Ok I know I am constantly trying to get rid of it but if I get right down to it I am only chubby because we are fortunate enough to have plenty to eat. Some people go hungry and some children never get breakfast. I am grateful I can walk into the grocery store and buy any food I want.
7. My friends. They make me laugh and feed my need to socialize!
8. My car. When my son was born I was driving a 2-door SUV. Ever try to get an infant carseat into one of those? Oh and try doing it post-csection! We bought a nice 4-door car for me and I got my freedom back. My little car has started on command every single day and has kept me from being housebound!
9. The rain. Strange thing to be grateful for right? I love a rainy day so we can all sit around in the den and watch movies and play with all of the toys. Rain also means we dont have to water the gardens at night!
10. My dishwasher. I cant stand washing dishes! Every time I load the dishwasher and it starts up I blow it a kiss - who wouldnt love a dishwasher! My dishwasher has never let me down!
11. My health. Need I say more?
12. My TV. Yes I am a tv addict. Every time I turn it on a whole big world comes into my living room. Nature shows, reality shows, soap operas, musicals and even the news. It keeps me company when I am alone and teaches me about places and things I might never see.

I could go on and on and on but I think I will stop here and encourage you to make your own list!

Have a fabulous day!
XO

1 comment:

Leigh Powell Hines said...

This was a great post, and happy Thanksgiving...a little two years later.