Top 5 Things I’m Grateful For

Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.

-Zig Ziglar

There are good days, and then there are not so good days. We are really living through some tough times. From a mental, physical, emotional, and social standpoint, it’s really tough. The current effects of the health, economic, and political events are enough to make your head spin. And while these are tough times, I still find a way and a need to practice gratitude.

Like you, I cannot predict the future. However, I do know that today, tomorrow, and however many days are ahead, I will express my gratitude. Expressing gratitude is important to me because it helps to open my mind and heart to appreciate all the great things in my life.

Although I’m grateful for everything, I’d like to share the top 5 things I’m grateful for.

Waking Up

There was a time when I would wake up, and just jump right into my day. Looking back, I’d go through my day with a sense of arrogance. I got up and started living as if I was supposed to wake up. Tomorrow is not promised, and there are plenty of people who were hear yesterday but not today.

So now when I wake up, I don’t get up and go. Instead, my eyes open, and I say, thank you. Even on the busy days, waking up and saying thank you is still a priority.

My Health

I’m thankful I have a functioning body with all five senses, the ability to walk, talk, and have a sound mind. I try my best to treat my body well by eating as well (or as well as I can J) and exercising. Although, there are things about my body I’d like to improve, I’m still grateful that I do not have any major health issues.

Family

I’m thankful for my strong network of family and friends. My husband and kids are truly my inspiration and motivation to do what I do. I want to be as well as I can for them.

My parents are some of the most supportive people I’ve ever met, and I’m enormously lucky to be their daughter. Although I’m not able to see them, my siblings, or my friends as much as I would like in this current environment (thanks social distancing), I’m glad to have such a wonderful, loving network of people in my corner.

My Home

I’m grateful I get to live in a home with my husband and kids. It’s not lost on me that I get to wake up in a safe environment in a comfy bed. Our home is nice and cool in the warm weather months and warm in the colder months. There is plenty of food to eat, working utilities, and internet. We are building lots of memories here, and I couldn’t be happier with the love we share in our home.

Life’s Pleasures

As I go through life, I’m often reminded of life’s pleasures. This can include natural wonders such as beautiful sunsets, the smell of rain, sunny days, or a gentle breeze. Other pleasures of warm hugs from my husband and kids, back rubs, good books, and a good laugh remind me that I have a very full life.

While I usually start and end my day reflecting on at least three things I’m grateful for, writing out the list has been extremely helpful to keep gratitude top of mind. If you do not currently have a gratitude journal, I encourage you to get one. If writing is not your style, just express your gratitude through words. Take a few minutes each day to say what you are grateful for. Do your best to develop this into a habit. After a week or two weeks, check back in with yourself and assess your mood and your ability to handle what you’re going through. Ask yourself, “What are you grateful for?”