Gratitude lists FTW

Heard this idea about making daily lists of things you are grateful. Thought it was cheesy and maybe a bit ridiculous at first. But then eventually I felt like I should just try it because I was really down about some things in my life and focusing on the wrong things. And even being negative as possible when something good WOULD happen. I gave it a shot and it is great. I recommend it. There is a complete shift in your mind when you do them and I give them credit for keeping my current 14-day streak alive and well (along with exercise, music and staying busy mostly). If you have trouble thinking about things to be grateful for, just start with simply being able to write or having sight, having hearing, the color of your eyes or hair, whatever it is. There is something to be grateful for all the time - even in things that would be negative at first. For example, in my family there is some squabbling and I thought "well, I can be grateful for this actually because I know what I DON'T want to be like". Or if you're in debt (like the 90 percent of other Americans), "well I have to pay this off but at least I can stay grounded and have fun with what I have right in front of me rather plus I'm learning how to manage my money." Your ego sort of leaves, your quest for always trying to find something else (that disease everyone seems to have) dissolves and you just look around and go "thanks!"

 

I have found that, too. It is so simple yet sometimes we don't want to do it. And when we do it, it really makes you look at life as a whole differently. You are more peaceful, more kind, happier, loving, etc. It can be the slightest shift. And when you are constantly just looking for the next thing to go wrong, the next thing to buy, the next thing to be addicted to, you're often grumpy, negative, lonely and ultimately just really selfish.