Thankful Lists – Nov. 17- 23
Nov. 17 Places I am grateful to have been
49 states // This year – Germany, Austria, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia Hungary, Czech Republic, England (Oxford, Cambridge, London), Alabama // ISRAEL // Spain // Salzburg, Austria// Hawaii with Jim, Band, DFB, My Fam // Barbados // Having lived in extreme weather, living in a place that is calendarically challenged // Beaches // National Parks with stunning natural beauty including the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, Zion, Acadia, Haleakala…// Top of San Jacinto // historical sites that sparked my curiosity // vibrant cities that exposed me to new cultures // special locations that hold personal memories with loved ones // Mexico // Canada // Cinque Terra // Catalina // Disneyland // Disney World // Legoland // Universal Studios // presidential libraries // churches // forests, beaches, deserts and other special places that left a lasting positive impression
Nov. 18 – Some Bible Verses that remind me to hope – Holding Onto Promises Eternal (HOPE) –
While all the Bible is God’s love letter there are verses in it that remind me of His faithfulness and goodness: Deut. 31:6-8 – Numbers 6:25 – 1 Kings 8:56 – Ps. 16:11– Ps. 23 – Ps. 37:23 – Psalm 48:14 – Psalm 139 — Proverbs 3:5.6 – Is. 26:3 – Is. 41:10 – Is. 40:31 – Jer. 29:11-13 – Jeremiah 31:3 – Lam. 3:22 – Nahum 1:7 – Zeph. 3:17 – Matt. 5:16 – Matt. 6:33 – Matt. 11:28,29 – John 1:12– John 16:33 – Rom. 5:8 – Romans 8:1 Rom. 8:28 – Rom. 8:38-39 – 2 Cor. 1:20 – 2 Co r. 5:17 — Phil. 2:5-11 — Phil. 3:12-14 – Phil. 4:6,7 – 1 John 1:9 – Jude 1:24, 25 – Rev. 21:4
Nov. 20 The Arts
I am grateful for a Creative God who made us in his image with part of that likeness our own creativity. The depth that the arts add to life is incomparable and needs no justification. The arts are one of the greatest gifts God has given humanity, cheering the heart, stimulating the mind and enriching human life. I don’t understand or enjoy every painting or piece of music, nor do I need to; we all have preferences and a variety of tastes. And that is the point! I am so thankful for the ways, the styles, the meaning that the arts add to life – my life. I cannot imagine a world without music or color. Music, dance, drama, visual arts all add beauty to the world like nothing else save the world itself. The arts entertain, inspire, and even help one see the world differently. I am grateful for the ways that the arts push me to also be more creative – more like the original designer. Ultimately, as with all gifts, art is there to give glory to God, the greatest creator.
I am glad for Movies. Music. Musicals. Art. Floral arrangements. Architecture. Mozart. Theatre. Costume Designers. Sculpture. Jazz. Museums. Photography. Pixar. Disney. Stories. Dancers. Etsy. Sewing machines. Marching bands. Rose Parade Floats. Crafts. Street Art. Textiles. And my personal favorite – Georges Seurat.
Nov. 21 Work
I am thankful for the opportunity to work and the privilege to know meaningful work too. While there are jobs I have not enjoyed and seasons (some longer than others) where I have felt like I was spinning my wheels or struggling through, I have been able to work alongside many talented and creative people over my working life (I would leave someone out if I listed them here). Additionally, I am grateful for many things at my workplace including:
- When co -workers’ kids come to my office for treats
- When coworkers become more than work friends and become real friends
- Trips made with coworkers
- Having colleagues that I deeply esteem and care about
- Bosses and others who challenge my thinking.
- Managers who encourage a healthy work-life balance.
- Coworkers who always remember my coffee order.
- A coworker who’s a pro at defusing office drama.
- A job that aligns with my passion and values
- The sense of camaraderie during team celebrations.
- ‘The growth that comes from constructive feedback
- The opportunity to use my gifts and strengths
- The chance to be part of a positive workplace culture
- The excitement of starting a new project from scratch
- The sense of accomplishment in completing a project
- Being trusted and given responsibility
- A supportive HR department that values employee well-being.
- A job that encourages and supports professional growth.
- The simple joy of a well-organized desk
- The feeling of accomplishment after a productive day.
- A job that allows one to make a meaningful impact
Nov. 22 Miscellaneous
Soccer. Clean sheets. Mail. Bonfires. Amazon. Hot showers. Trash Collectors. Freedom. Coupons. Apps. Podcasts. Spotify. Invitations and inclusions. Connections. Alone time. Game Nights. Being trusted with someone else’s pets and homes. Choices. Flowers. Rainbows. The immenseness of the solar system. Band-Aids. Sports. Great art. A Fresh Haircut. Getting my teeth cleaned. Fall Foliage. The memory of my husband becoming a dad. Knowing Dark chocolate is a health food. A clean bill of health. Letting a grudge go. Reconciliation. When someone notices you have only one item & they let you cut in the check-out line. People watching at Disneyland. Holiday Traditions. Variegated string and ombre fabrics. The Muppets.
Nov. 23 Life Hacks
“One single grateful thought raised to heaven is the most perfect prayer.” — Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
There are many cool little things that make life easier for which I am grateful. I have learned that they are really all external and you cannot life-hack your way to a better outlook or a more grateful heart. There is no quick formula or easy way to become more holy. There is a difference between being grateful for something and being a grateful person. The more we practice gratitude and feel thankful for all the amazing blessings that make up our daily lives, the happier we will be. Still, all lists are incomplete – which is why we need to continually think about it. It is collective, which is why I have been posting them here. Making lists of my blessings and keeping track of acts of kindness begins the change in my perspective. Acting “as if” instead of “if only” is a huge game changer for me. And I truly believe that everyone is about as happy as they want to be.
That said here are a few other life hacks I love:
- When I am in a boring meeting or I am really tired I stay awake by keeping one foot off the ground
- Magic Erasers clean out china tea stains without scratching and with minimal effort
- Dawn Detergent is great for so many things
- Hairspray or alcohol wipes clean up ink stains
- Remembering that I do not need to be a fact checker for my friends
- No is a complete sentence
- Motion is lotion
- Never stop making friends and never stop being one
- Remembering that I can ALWAYS edit my life and the people in it
- Scent is a powerful memory tool – keeping oils nearby while studying and then putting scent on something when I need to remember what I studied (like for a test)
- Ask the question, “Where’s the last place you find a needle?” to help someone end their hiccups (answer – in a haystack)