I've Got A Blue Gratitude

Kindness

1) I am involved in helping some local girls get prom gowns.  I am grateful to the kindness of the people who have donated gowns.

2) I am grateful for the sense of peace I feel when I am allowed to be kind to others.

3) I have discovered Freecycle and love the concept.

Diggin Deep

1) It's days like today that I am grateful for this blog.  Although no one may read it, it forces me to look for something to find positive and on days like today, I need that push.  I KNOW that gratitude is the way out of the blues because it keeps me right here - right now.  I don't need to worry about tomorrow, I just need to look for the blessings of today and this exercise in public disclosure is just the prompt I need.  Thank you Theresa.

2)I made an awesome dinner in the crockpot today.  My house smelled so good when I came home from work and it was truly delicious.  I am so grateful that I can provide nutritious food for my family.  My heart aches for mothers who do not have that luxury.

3) Even though I can't seem to remembe, when I can detach, it is good to know that they are only teenagers for a finite period.  That this shall pass and we will likely survive.  That there is no such thing as a perfect parent and no one expects such of me (except me).  I am hanging onto the hope that I am doing the best I can with love and that the outcome is truly in God's hands.

1) I am grateful for the small community of simplification out there.  I'm a newbie to the prospect, but see such serenity potential.  I truly can live better with less and with my current mindset, I can look at it as an opportunity to embrace.  I'm grateful for the abundance that allows me that philosophy - because I'm so much more open to change when it is my idea.

2) Interlibrary loans.  Is that the most incredible concept ever?!  Love it.  Which bring up a basic appreciation I have had since a child - free public libraries.  I think it is the most incredible concept ever put into practice.  As a kid we didn't have much money but my Mom would take us on the bus downtown to the library and we could borrow as many books as we could carry.  I still love the smell of a library and old books.  That smell speaks to me more of limitless possibility than any other smell I can remember becuase I associate with it my pass into a limitless world.

3) Organizations that allow kids to experience in a positive way science and technology.  My daughter - ok - I'm bragging here - got 1st place in an event in Science Olympiad.  She got a medal and public admiration of her team mates.  I wish we could share that "I feel GREAT" moment with more kids about learning.   I'm sad that some kids are not able to have that opportunity.  I'm glad that I can help in my community to make it more available and get satisfaction from the chance to do so.  There are so many ways that I can help others and I'm glad of that as well as when my daughter is on the recipient end.

Beliefs

1) I am grateful that I believe in my childrens' capabilities - they are awesome and it is a wonderful feeling to be able to trust that.

2) I am grateful that as I age, I am taking the time to truly explore my beliefs.

3) It is wonderful when a belief is confirmed - regardless of the frequency.

Right

1) I'm grateful that I am learning to stay in the right here, right now - cause if my mind goes to possible outcomes - it ALWAYS goes to the worst possible scenario.  Now I don't have to run that squirrel cage - I can remind myself that the future isn't here yet.  Right here - right now - that's all I gotta worry about.

2) I'm grateful there is no "right" way to share time with my kids.

3) I'm "reading" the audio book, "To Kill a Mockingbird" - awesome book - lovin every minute of it.

This 'n That

1) I am so grateful for authors who can entertain and cause me to look at life in different ways.  I've recently (as in the last several years) begun listening to audiobooks during my one-hour each way commute to work.  This practice has broadened my world like I haven't experienced since having children and owning my own time.  And the joy of the written word being spoken has the richness of a welltold story even further enhancing my appreciation of the writer's craft.

2) I am so grateful for the opportunity to impact my community through volunteerism.  I gain far more than I give and I am blessed with joy in the process.

3) I am grateful that I am learning acceptance.  It's a hard lesson for me, but when I practice it, I gain serenity.

Health

1) I am so grateful that I can provide a healthy environment for my family.  I am glad that I can afford preventive care and orthodontia and that I live in a society where it is readily available.

2) I appreciate the skills of physicians and veterinarians who care for all my loved ones.

3) I'm glad for hot tea on a cool night.

Sunshine

1) The sun was out today!  I didn't realize how very much I missed it.

2) My friend's husband who has been hospitalized and in serious condition seems to be improving.

3) Lovely hot tea.

Power

1) I'm so grateful for the power of prayer.  As I continue a spiritual journey, I am increasingly aware of how the act of praying can unlatch my grip on anxiety and worry.

2) The power of consistency.  I've gotten back to spinning 10 a day and it amazes me how a little time consistently each day can truly make such an impact.  Now - can I just translate to the rest of my life?

3) The power of nature in all her many dimensions.  The power of the caress of heavy fog on my face to bring me into the exact moment - so quiet - yet so effective.

Not too Much

1) I'm so glad that I have work to keep me busy, but not too much that I get anxious.

2) I heard an article on NPR about people whose mortgages are in default and they were incredibly large amounts of money.  I am so glad that I've never wanted too much of a house for my income.  I like my little house - it's enough.

3) I'm ever so glad there is no such thing as too much yarn.