In scouring the Internet for the blog post links listed below I came across one that very simply listed 50 things they were grateful for in their lives. What a GREAT idea! If you believe the concept that what we think about grows, what we dwell upon we become, you might want to try it yourself. (If you want to go directly to this week’s gratitude links—scroll down to the bottom of this post)
So, here are 50 things I’m grateful for in my life right now:
- The fact that my body feels energetic and healthy 99% of the time.
Kloe & Me on the day we brought her home from the shelter.
- My mind continues to be creative, curious and amused on a regular basis.
- I’ve been married to Thom my best friend and soul mate for 36 years.
- I have a handful of really close friends and a bunch of good friends.
- Our little dog Kloe is a happy, healthy and loving part of our family.
- My permanent home is in an amazingly beautiful location with a warm climate.
- Thom and I right-sized our house so that we love and use every square foot of it with no wasted space every single day.
- We were able to buy and keep our home mortgage-free so that the cost to live here is minuscule giving us hundreds of options with our finances.
- Two years ago we put solar on our home and haven’t paid a dime so far for electricity this year.
- I have food in my refrigerator and have two or three options about what I will be making for dinner.
- I have health insurance that will cover both Thom and I in case of any health calamity that might occur.
- I’m grateful that I don’t need to buy a lot of expensive things or to spend a lot of money to enjoy myself—a simple get-together with lively and stimulating conversation is high on my list.
- This last year we spent nearly 3 months away from our home during the hot summer months (this has been
Simple get-togethers with good friends…
an intention of mine for a very long time!)
- I have a blog/website that until this last week never ever crashed or went offline—and even though it did, the host techs were able to get me back up and running with only minor losses.
- I have met and connected with some amazing, interesting and generous people through my website that have greatly increased the quality of my life.
- I am extremely fortunate that Thom has supported and encouraged my writing and blogging every step of the journey.
- For the vast majority of my life I have never had to spend my days changed to a time clock or a job I hated.
- 95% of my mornings I am able to wake up without an alarm clock whenever I want.
- I’m really thankful that I have few regrets in my life and LOTS of “I’m glad I did’s!”
- I LOVE having an evaporative cooler for my home that keeps me cool without costing a lot of money to run.
- Okay, I’ll admit it. I like Facebook and I’m thankful it is in my life.
- I’ve learned that one of the best ways for me to feel blessed is to spend time helping others in a variety of way. This website is one and I’m also happily involved in the Coachella Valley Ophelia Project.
Mom & Dad March ’02
- I feel incredibly fortunate that as self-employed people Thom and I have been financially stable for the last 15+ years so that we can live well within our means.
- I am thankful on a daily basis that I live with a man who appreciates, understands and puts up with me and my quirks.
- I’m grateful that my mother allowed me to be me.
- My father loved me deeply and taught me many life lessons, some of which I’ve only recently learned to appreciate.
- I’m extremely fortunate that my exercise of choice is taking a daily walk—it’s always available and doesn’t cost a thing.
- Thom and I both have bicycles that are very easy and fun to ride and we live in an area that offers bike paths and easy access to riding.
- I love that my home is within a half mile of about 15 restaurants, a grocery store, a hardware store, the library, the senior center, city hall, two gorgeous city parks, two coffee houses, my hair stylist, manicurist, an ice cream store, a wine shop and so much more.
- While it’s easy to take for granted I am so grateful for the Internet and how it has changed my life in dozens of ways.
- I’m really, really happy that I love to learn and try new things on a regular basis.
- Knowing I live in a friendly supportive Universe.
- One of the lessons I’ve learned on the path is how important our individual consciousness is and how that effects EVERYTHING in my life.
- Nearly 30 years ago Thom and I discovered New Thought philosophy and it changed our life for the better in every way.
- I’ve been able to travel to quite a number of countries around the world seeing some gorgeous sites and realizing that people everywhere are kind and generous, and that most of us want peace on Earth.
An Island in Tahiti
- While I love to travel I believe I am fortunate to love being at home too. The balance between the two gives my life contentment and stimulation in equal proportion.
- I feel extremely fortunate that I’ve had two publishers willing to publish books that I’ve written. But I also feel grateful that I was able to publish the last one on my own.
- I’m grateful that I’m not into clothing, jewelry, or makeup. I’ve seen how that obsession can get others in trouble financially and I’ve found lots of other ways to enjoy my time.
- I very thankful that my husband thinks I’m still beautiful after all these years AND is actually glad that I’m not into clothing or jewelry.
- Even though my garden continues to be an experiment, I am grateful for the lessons it teaches me about the miracle of growing food and the opportunity it gives me to connect with Mother Earth.
- Speaking of Mother Earth, I’m grateful that I’m living in a country and a time where I can breath the air and have access to healthy water. I realize not everyone does and it’s uncertain whether future generations will be able to say that as well.
- I’m grateful to have lived through a serious health issue and realize that every single day without pain is a gift.
- I’m thankful I jumped out of an airplane for my 40th birthday and lived to tell about it.
- I am extremely grateful that I don’t have to do my writing on that clunky old electric typewriter I used when I started. Wow! That has changed so much for the better.
- I very much appreciate the amazing technology I have in my life including a desktop and a laptop computer.
- I’m thankful that I’ve never experienced violence firsthand in my life or those around me and never take for granted that not everyone is as fortunate.
- I’m grateful that I’ve learn to relax, breathe and enjoy the moments.
- I’m thankful that I quit smoking about 30 year ago and have no other serious addictions.
- Back when I created a business that depended upon my writing regularly I learned that I can always find things to write about on deadline and even when I don’t feel like it.
- That I know that every day I can choose to be happy, loving and live life to its fullest…. I get to make it up!
Note: Click HERE more info about the SMART Living 30-Day Gratitude Challenge.
Here are seven more posts about gratitude to keep you
thinking of gratitude all week!
*Learning To Consider Gratitude A Discipline
by Joshua at Becoming minimalist.com
By Lyle at The Joy of Simple.com
*Getting To Thankful Can Help Get Through Hard Times
By Harriet at Rebuild Life Now.com
By Lori at Life for Instance.com
*No Matter What Happens, You Can Always Be Thankful
By Deborah Fike on The Change Blog.com
By Beverly at Writing In Flow.com
*4 Virtues Necessary For A Sustainable Season of Thanksgiving
By Andrea at Frugally sustainable.com
*Feeling Gratitude for All the People We Sleep With
By Rhiannon at Tiny Buddha.com
BONUS! The Kindspring 21-Gratitude Challenge starts November 7 to November 21. It’s never to late to join!
This post is part of a gratitude blog hop at: Alphabet Salad.com
This post is shared at Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party Hop at Urban Naturale.com
Hi Kathy
Thank you so much for this inspiring list! I am dreaming about no 7 and 9 and fully agree about 21 and 30. Reading this today has special meaning for me as I am on my own gratitude crusade and it has filled my mind with new ideas. Hope you have a lovely Sunday and very grateful that I met you. Thank you for mentioning me on Twitter.
Margaretha
Hi Margaretha! I got the email message that you had been blocked on the site for some reason but here you are so I’m hoping that issue resolved itself. I think you must be using a different email from your other comments, and that might have sent me an alert. Either way, I’m glad you persevered! And glad you liked my list gratitude list….I haven’t read it a while myself, so I NEED to go back and reread it again–and then check out yours. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy
That must have been it (different e-mail address), looks all sorted now. I love reading your blog, you are a great inspiration to me! Margaretha
Amazing post! Just truly optimistic, and despite any circumstance coming, moving on and being grateful for everything is the only best thing to do.
I truly adored this list! Being grateful and expressing gratitude daily is so therapeutic for me! This lovely post helped to remind me of some of the things we often take for granted! Thank you for sharing this wonderful post at the “Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party” Blog Hop! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Deborah! Thank you so much for stopping by and joining the conversation. I’m glad that my list helped you remember some of the good things in your life that you may have overlooked lately. AND thank you so much for link on your Blog Hop. I’m attempting my first one this coming Friday! If you have a post on your page that fits, please come by and hook it up! I know without a doubt that it’s impossible to have too much gratitude!!!! ~Kathy
Loved this list very much. Reading this list reminds me about a lot of things I take for granted. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Came in from the gratitude link up.
Hi Jyothi! Love your name by the way! Thank you so much for stopping by and joining the conversation. It was (and is) my hope that my list helps others make their own list and/or at least remind them of things they might have overlooked in their own life. Now I’m going to go and check out your list! ~Kathy
What an inspiring list, thank you for sharing. It sounds like you are living in a wonderful area with lots of simple things to enjoy. I like the thought of that. Also, glad to read that you overcame illness and having your health back. I found you through the gratitude linkup hosted by Laurel.
Hi Maria! Thank YOU for popping over from the linkup and adding to the conversation. And yes, carefully choosing where we live is one of my greatest blessings for sure. And I know anyone who’s had health issues (or in the midst of them right now) is thankful when our bodies feel good and we are able to join into Life. I just popped over and looked at your “list” on the link up and can definitely appreciate the good that comes from a loving and caring husband–especially as you await your baby! Good luck to you and your growing family–and stay warm!~Kathy
Wow what a list. I am also grateful that we live in a friendly and supportive Universe.
Dropping by from the gratitude linkup.
Hi Suzy! Thank you so much for dropping my my blog and sharing what you are grateful for–and I SO agree. Living in a friendly and supportive Universe is definitely something I appreciate as well. And your website is great too! Thank you again for coming by and leaving a comment! ~Kathy
Stopping by from Alphabet Salad.
This is quite a list, thanks for sharing!
Hi Life Breath Present! Thanks for stopping by from Alphabet Salad. My list took a little time but it ended up being so worth it! I hope it inspired you to make your own. ~Kathy
Wow… what an amazing, inspiring, feel-good list! Thank you so much for sharing all these pieces of your life – and thank you for joining in on my Gratitude Linkup. I feel great just having read your list! 🙂
Hi Laurel! I’m glad you liked my list and I hope that it inspired you to start your own! It’s amazing what we can come up with when we just take the time to do it. Ad THANK YOU so much for starting your gratitude linkup! I’m happy to be part of it and am looking forward to reading the other posts that add on! ~Kathy
Totally LOVING your blog! Thanks so much for stopping by mine and commenting! I added you to my links section and hope to visit and comment on occasion! I am LOVING your list, here! I will post “I’m thankful for…” type things from time to time, too! I think it’s important to remember them and share with others! Even if it’s a hard day, week, month, year! Great list!
I’m going to check out a few of your links, too, I see the Bloggers For Peace Button, for example, and I want to learn more!!!!
Hi Jennifer! Thank you so much for taking the time to join the conversation! I’m happy you liked my post and hope it was encouragement to do your own list sometime this month!
And THANK YOU for the link love on your blog “My blissful journey” ! I very much appreciate it and look forward to reading your blog and learning your words of wisdom and BLISS in the coming days. And yes, isn’t Bloggers For Peace a great idea? I’ve only participated in a couple of their projects but strongly believe in putting the good out in the world.
So nice to have connected with you. ~Kathy
P.S. do you have a “gratitude post” in your archives that I could add to my gratitude posts made this month? If you have one and/or want to write one, just let me know and I’ll add it. I’m doing three more by the end of the month so just send me an email if you want to participate.
What a great list of things to be grateful for. I think many times we forget to count our blessings and look at the negatives things in life. Thanks for sharing your positive blessings.
Hey Marla! Thanks for stopping by SMART Living and leaving a comment. I hope that my list inspired you to take the time sometime this month and make your own list. It really is such a great affirmation for your life. I also found your website to be very helpful and filled with great information. Hope to see you again! ~Kathy
Thanks Kathy, These two really hit me today: 45.I very much appreciate the amazing technology
47.I’m grateful that I’ve learn to relax, breathe and enjoy the moments. I look forward to more posts and links and also love Becker’s: ?A thankful heart brings healthy attentiveness.
Hi Gary! Thanks for stopping in and adding to the conversation. I’m glad you liked my list, but did it help you be inspired to make your own list? I am so hoping you take the time because it really is valuable!
AND, thanks as always for your support Gary! You are definitely a person that helps me have a grateful heart.~Kathy
Hi Kathy,
Love your post and your loooooooong list of gratitude!
In my estimate,you,and people like you are truly wealthy because you are gifted with a n everlasting inner affluence.
Moreover, i believe that the essence of real wealth is deep contentment,an abiding satisfaction. Affluence,real wealth, is a conviction that all is well with us.It is a pleasant feeling that refuses to pale before ostentation. It reflects profound confidence instead of fickle comparisons.
To top it off deep abundance is founded on an even deeper sense of thankfulness.
Great reminder to all of us to be happy
Thanks
Mona
Hi Mona….Thank you so much for your comment! I do indeed feel very very wealthy and abundant and a big part of that “feeling” comes from sitting myself down and thinking out what was really important to me. I can’t imagine that anyone else wouldn’t feel exactly the same.
Interestingly enough though, since I’ve made that post I’ve talked personally with a number of people who all think it is a great “idea” but I’m still waiting on those who actually take the time to make out the list. Come on people! Make that list! And don’t worry about doing it wrong. In the last week I’ve come up with about 20 more that I “should have” included. But who cares really? The list is for you so you won’t be graded on it and no one else will see it unless you show it to them.
Most of us go around saying we want to be happier and feel more satisfaction and fulfillment in our lives–and this is honestly a good way to do that. Thank you Mona for letting me express that again and for your recognition that “deep abundance is founded on an even deeper sense of thankfulness.” ~Kathy
P.S. Do you have a gratitude/thanksgiving post that I can link in one of the coming weeks? Please send it to me!
Kathy, I loved your list! So many resonate with me. Your post provided me with a solid reminder that I should be more aware (acknowledge) all those things I’m so grateful for.
Thank you Nancy. I know that it seems rather simple and even ineffective but it is surprisingly helpful. It starts getting harder at about #20 but really helped me dig deeper than the usual considerations. If you do take the time to do it, please come back and let me know what you thought of it. I think that might be helpful for us all. ~Kathy
How wonderful that you have so much to be grateful for. It sounds like you make every minute of your life count. Being aware of our blessings surely goes a long way!
Hi Sheryl…yes it’s amazing how much you can appreciate your life when you take the time to make a list of 50 things! I STRONGLY encourage it! As you say, “being aware of our blessings surely goes a long way.”
And speaking of gratitude…do you have a post that you’ve written that I could add to my link list. I would love to see anything you’ve written about thanksgiving. Just put a link here in the comments or send me an email if you get the chance…
Thanks as always for coming by and leaving a comment….~Kathy
Love this; shared on Google+. Grateful there are people like you making lists like these! 🙂
Hi Beverly! I’m glad you liked it! I loved your short but sweet post AND the video you attached so I wanted to share it with all my followers. As you say, just a few lines in a gratitude journal can definitely “prime the pump!” And I love the quote, “Journaling is general is good for a writer’s soul, but gratitude is good for a human soul.”
Thanks as always for your comment. ~Kathy
Thank you so much for including my post on gratitude in your recommended list.
I love your list of 50. # 31 resonates for me. I never thought about being grateful for that quality. I too love learning and am always excited and enthused about new things. I always say I wish we could live at least 5 lives so we can experience all the wonders there are in our world. I’d like to be so many things and try out living in so many different kinds of places.
Hi Harriet! You’re so welcome! I was searching around for good posts to include that offered a special perspective on gratitude and I read yours. I’ve always loved Mattie Stepanek and his work as such inspiration, so that definitely caught my eye. I also loved that you said, “it’s especially important to be able to see even the tiniest particle of light when all the lights seem like they were shut off. We have to be able to hang on to something. Sometimes that something is a hint of sun pushing through the clouds.” Thank YOU for your post.
And yes, #31 is a special one. It continues to add a sense of delight and wonder to my life on a regular basis. I am always AMAZED when anyone says they are “bored” in such an amazing world filled with so many amazing things and people to know and experience.
Thanks for coming by SMART Living and adding to the conversation! ~Kathy
Funny, I too am always amazed when anyone says they’re bored. I don’t even comprehend that concept of boredom. There’s so much to learn, see, do, experience. I don’t often hear anyone express this so I had to comment back to you on it. Kindred souls here!
I love your list and could easily put many of them on my own list, minus the beautiful weather you have year round. 🙂 But my favorite by far is your final statement “That I know that every day I can choose to be happy, loving and live life to its fullest…. I get to make it up!” We will find what we focus on and like you I prefer to focus on the positive.
It’s really those little things many of us take for granted such as knowing we have food in the fridge that allow us to be grateful and happy.
I;m off to read your suggestions now. Thanks for a lovely post.
Hi Lois….so glad you like this post. It was actually more rewarding for me than I thought it would be before I started. It took a little time…and then I went back over it for a couple of days before stopping with this version. I so hope you and others will take the time to do it because it really helps a person focus on things beyond the usual. If you do, please come back and let me know what came up for you in the process.
And let me know when your gratitude post is all ready for me to link. I’ll be doing three more of my gratitude link posts so please let me know about yours and any other good gratitude posts you come across in your regular searching.
Thanks as always for taking the time to stop by! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy! What a beautiful and warm post about the many things you are grateful for. I totally agree with every one of them 🙂
Also, thank you so much for featuring The Joy of Simple amongst your many wonderful blog links. It’s a pleasure to be associated with you and the other wonderful writers/bloggers mentioned and I am truly grateful! I am now off to read a bunch 🙂
Take care and all the best.
Lyle
Hi Lyle. You are VERY welcome because I was happy to include your post because it spoke volumes about how I feel about gratitude AND about sustainable, simple living. And as I’ve said before, I am doing my best to include links from some of my blogging friends (new and old!) and offer lots of different perspectives on gratitude and thanksgiving. I think it’s fairly easy to lump things together and not realize the depth behind so many things that we take for granted. So this month I’m pushing myself to look deeper–and your post certainly helped!
Hope you enjoy the rest of my selections….and if you surfing around the web in the next few weeks and spot a post you come across, please send me the link.
Thank you again for your comment. ~Kathy