I read in various books that when you write the things you are thankful for, you will shift your mindset and emotions to THINKING GOOD AND FEELING GOOD. Read all the 50 things to be grateful for in one day. Experience the wonderful feeling of gratitude.
- You woke up. You are alive today!
Well, other people are breathing their last so be happy that you got up and see another morning. YEAH! Breathe in deep and breathe out.
Photo by Catherine Mcmahon
- You slept on a bed with pillows, bedsheets and blanket.
Isn’t it wonderful opening your eyes and conscious of the softness of the blanket and the fluffiness of the pillows? Warmth, Comfort, Bliss.
- You saw your partner sound asleep near you or you both woke up today.
Through the years, you may have your own ups and downs but you still have each other. The gift of relationship is a precious thing to appreciate. Others are still waiting for the “one”.
- You went to the toilet and did your morning routine.
It is so easy to take for granted the morning routine of going to the toilet. I remembered my godmother told me that she visited an old friend. Her workmate was having a hard time going to the bathroom due to back pains. Worse, she had a catheter always with her because she had urinary tract problems.
When you pee naturally, be grateful.
- You flushed the toilet.
You might be telling me, seriously even flushing the toilet! Yes, of course. Try carrying a bucket of water to flush your beep-beep. Imagine the inconvenience of relieving yourself under the stars.
- You have a private bathroom.
Personal hygiene is easy for you. Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, the works. A quick shower is uplifting. Having your own bathtub is grand.
- You have options in the fridge and kitchen equipment.
Thank God there is food in the fridge that you could prepare and cook.
Moreover, you have a REFRIGERATOR! Don’t get me started with the appliances in your kitchen that make your life more comfortable.
- You have clean water.
Imagine yourself walking to a well a few kilometers away just to get clean drinking water. Also, you will carry the buckets carefully so the water will not spill.
At the moment, you just have to turn on the tap and clean water is available.
- You have a family whom you lovingly take care of.
Where can you find love, joy, peace and sense of belongingness? A loving family can provide all of this.
You have a household where you can be accepted, appreciated and loved throughout your lifetime.
Related blog post: Why is it important to spend time with family?
You have food on the table.
When was the last time you starved? If you could no longer remember or you didn’t even experience it, wow, how lucky you are!
Having 3 sumptuous meals a day plus snacks is a good fortune denied to many.
- You have clothes to wear.
Is your wardrobe filled with clothes? Are you having a hard time closing the drawers because of too much garments?
When you can afford to buy another set of clothes, you are wealthy. Declutter and donate.
- You have a House and a Home.
Every time you lock the front door of the house and leave for work, be grateful. You have a safe haven and a loving home to stay.
- You are living in a peaceful and quiet neighbourhood.
It is necessary to feel safe.
- You have a SMARTPHONE.
There is so much you can do with this remarkable invention. Be grateful for the convenience it provides.
- You have your own car.
It is good if you have the money for public transport. It is a bonus if you have your own car! You can drive the kids to school at your own pace and time.
- You take your kids to school where they are happy, safe and learning to be the best they can be.
The school becomes your partner for the overall development of your youngster.
- You have the music in your car that lifts up your spirit.
From worship songs to pop to rock and roll or whatever playlist you have, the songs make you feel alive while driving. You may even sing in the car. Just don’t mind the rolling of eyes and disgusted faces of the family. If it makes you cheerful, just do it!
- HUGS AND KISSES UNLIMITED
Dropping the kids to school is a time for most parents to enjoy the hugs and kisses of the youngsters. Be thankful of this moment because it may not last longer than you expect.
Hugs and kisses can be any time of the day from early mornings to bedtime. Mothers will always be pleased to have these in plenty.
Related blog post: 10 Terrific Advantages of Hugs
- You are on your way to work.
Whether you are driving your car or riding public transport, ENJOY the time of going to work. Other people are still applying for a job or became unemployed due to changes in the company’s policies.
- You are on your way to buy some groceries.
When you have enough money to fill up your trolley or cart to the brim at the grocery store, you are prosperous.
You don’t use the small basket because you have money to pay for other wants and luxuries.
Day-off option 1: Catching up with friends
As a mother, there are days that even if there are a lot of chores waiting for you at home, you just want to get away from it and not do it. That is fine. Don’t be too hard on yourself. It is a day to CATCH UP WITH FRIENDS!
Thank God for trustworthy friends! They are treasures to have. Drinking coffee or just having morning tea or lunch with them will make you feel so good. It is like an exchange of thoughts times 100 especially when amazing things are going on or the other way around.
- Day-off option 2: Down time and just read a book
For mothers, when all the kids are at school, the house is a quiet place to just enjoy their own company. You can choose your own down time:
Reading a book
Taking care of the garden and enjoy the flowers
Binge watching (ahem)
Busy with their hands ( baking, cooking, knitting, sewing or any activity that makes you relax)
- Day-off option 3: Health is wealth.
You are healthy. You are active in your own way that gives you ENERGY. Is it walking? running? yoga? Wouldn’t it be nice to be grateful because you have healthy eyes to read this?
- Day-off option 4: You have a long conversation over the phone with your mother or father. A video chat is better.
As a parent yourself, you understand more the situations your parents went through when they were raising you. It is TOUGH being a parent but I also LOVE being a parent.
There are times when you feel confused or overwhelmed. Talking to your parents is such a relief. After the discussion, you just realize you are just catastrophizing your situation. It was not even necessary in the first place.
- Day-off option 5: You have the chance to visit your parents.
A lot of people miss their parents so much. It is either they already passed away or they are living overseas. You still have parents with you that you can hug, kiss and converse about the good old days. Always grab the chance while you can.
- Day-off option 6: You can watch movies that can fascinate you.
Sometimes there are movies worth watching in the big screen. For more than 2 hours you were captivated by the creative imagination of it all. It is one of your Me Time worth doing alone or with family and friends.
- Day-off option 7: You can enjoy lots of apps from social media to funny games.
Apps of Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Youtube, Messenger and other apps connect you to your family, friends, acquaintances and the world.
Lumosity is a good app that can train your mind to think.
- Work day option 1: You are learning every day.
Having a job or running a business make your mind alert. Learning does not stop after you leave school. It is a lifetime of knowing new things and skills. You evolve. Hurray for that!
Professional development whether classroom-based or online can sharpen the skills you have.
- Work day option 2: It makes you satisfied.
I congratulate you if you are happy at your workplace right now. You are being paid for what makes your heart sing! It gives me the joy to work in a school setting.
- Work day option 3: You have money.
Money can be used in many ways. As long as you don’t violate the rights of others, money is well- spent. May you have abundance in your life, my dear reader.
- Work day option 4: Wisdom you learned from unexpected places
Australia is a multi-cultural country. It always gives me a new perspective during conversations. The bits of wisdom I learned, I apply in my life.
Work day option 5: You are fulfilling your purpose.
Why are you working? What is your WHY? Through your job or business, you are fulfilling your need, your purpose on why do you even exist.
Thank you for this job or business. It gives me JOY. If these sentences make you cringe, ask yourself why?
- Work day option 6: Lunch: Yummy food with good company
If you are glad at your workplace then I believe, one of the reasons is your fellow workers. Having lunch with them is a bonus treat then. Give thanks with a grateful heart as the song goes.
- Work day option 7: You have blessings in disguise.
You may think that what is happening is a series of unfortunate circumstances may turn out to be blessings in disguise.
BE grateful each day for we do not know what happens tomorrow.
- Internet/Wifi
Wifi at home is really a wonderful invention.
Now, the information is at the tip of your fingertips anywhere at home or public areas with wifi. Just type a word and a million results about that topic will show up in a few seconds.
Reminiscing my youth, I was trying to borrow a book at the library and another student beat me to it! I have to wait for THREE DAYS! You must have an idea what the DEWEY DECIMAL CLASSIFICATION so you can find the book you need. Youngsters nowadays just use the Google search engine or YouTube.
- You are reading with your child.
Treasure this moment. Children grow up too fast. My favorite book I read with my children is Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.”
- Your teenager tells stories about what happened in school and other random thoughts in their mind.
Their conversation starters can make you cheerful as in laugh out loud, annoyed, sad and even shocked due to their views on various topics.
It is a window of opportunity to get to know them better and be close.
Related blog post: 10 Things Parents will Adjust to when kids get older
- Coffee, tea or any drink of your choice with your partner to end the day right
As parents, the day could pass like a blur. Isn’t it delightful to just sit back and drink with your partner? Conversations from what happened at work to funny recollections when you were both young can end the day in a relaxed mood.
- Moments to Thank the Lord
My mother told me “ The family that prays together, stays together.Be grateful for what you have.”
I had a conversation with my son I want to share with you.
Me: Son, I am writing a blog about things to be grateful for. Anything you want to add?
My youngest son: God is looking after you. Have faith. Jesus died for you.
These are the exact words of my son. It was a mind-blown moment. I wrote it down.
Furthermore, a few days later while I was typing my draft, I showed him what he said to me. He couldn’t even remember he said it. Did I receive a special message?
- Bed time, Pyjamas, warm socks..so nice
What a relaxing feeling when you are lying down in bed and just ready to snooze.
- Pets
They give unconditional love. They are beneficial for your health. I am grateful for them because they make me SMILE.
A good cry that made you feel relieved
Mothers are tough. So when they cry, they reached their limits. After all the tears have been shed, you sigh, take a deep breath and appreciate that feeling of burden on your chest released.
You get back up and you move on. A lesson has been learned. Remember it.
Related blog post: There is something about crying
- Sleepless night
Why is it that you cannot sleep? Is there something that you need to think about? to let go?to forgive?
It is a sign that there are things in your life to ponder about or to change.
- Time
All we have is now. Thank you for this moment. I am grateful you are reading my blog.
- PROBLEMS
According to Norman Vincent Peale, the only people without problems are the ones in the cemetery.
It is so good to be alive!
Never, never, never give up. – Winston Churchill
- You were born.
Man is nature’s greatest miracle. You are unique. – Og Mandino
- You are loved.
Don’t take for granted the people who love you.
You are free.
You are free to go anywhere you want. You are free to choose as long as you don’t violate the rights of others.
Let’s go deeper. You are free from your worry, your wrath, your envy, your jealousy, your judgmental attitude, gluttony, your greed. If you are free from these, you are one of the happiest people on earth.
- You are IMPORTANT.
You may not realize it but to others, you are making a significant difference in their lives.
- YOU ARE BLESSED.
I believe you can still add other things to be grateful for. You have so many blessings!
May you wake up tomorrow with a thankful smile on your face because why will you start a day with a frown? You are surrounded by nature at its best.
