Thankful Lists – Nov. 24- 28
Nov. 24 I am thankful for Laughter, Humor and Play
I am grateful for the things that create joy and happiness, even on dark days. There is something life altering in a laugh, a smile or a kind recognition. They say that love is what makes the word go round and I would add that the outward expressions of one who loves is joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and goodness. Humor is a universal language that has the power to bring people together, creating a sense of community and connection. The accompanying sound effects of laughter yield much mentally, physically and emotionally. A sense of humor is the true sixth sense. I could go on and on about blessings of a life- well- laughed but that is for another day. For now, I am grateful for:
Out of the box thinking * Being curious * Whimsy* A perfectly timed joke * A soft embrace * Hugs * Tibby & Jest in Time * Meaningful touch * A smile * A nod from a stranger * A wave * Whispers in the ear of a loved one * a cat’s purr * a gentle touch * high-fives * an encouraging word * a blessing * a knowing grin from a friend * cheering on a team or a friend * celebrating life – singing happy birthday * The sound of laughter echoing through the house * being noticed and recognized * a baby’s eyes that light up when they see you * Comedians * Crow’s Feet (aka laugh lines) * a soft breeze * puns * Comic books/funny pages * rom-coms * card & board games * twinkling playful eyes * positive gags & pranks * camp skits * surprises * magic * silly songs …..
Nov. 25 photos from this year – worth 1000 words
“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” ~Thornton Wilder
Taste & SEE that the Lord is Good!
NOV 26 Self Care
“The Lord has allowed you to live in this moment of history so that, by your faith, His name will continue to resound throughout the world.” Pope Benedict
When I start to write this thought about gratitude for self, I will confess that it feels a bit awkward, because it feels selfish or prideful to sound thankful for myself. However, that is not the point. The point is that my gratitude is actually not solely tied to external things alone and learning to find gratitude within and reflecting on how I interact with my circumstances, accomplishments and relationships is one of the keys to becoming a more thankful person!
It is often difficult to be grateful for this aging body and mind but… Aren’t humans a wonder?! I am in awe of how we each resemble one another thanks to DNA and how complex and amazing the human body is. I am grateful that I am. I matter. ME. My needs, dreams, aspirations. I am creative. Resilient. Worthy. His. Resourceful. Smart.
I am also grateful for the time in history in which I was born, the family heritage I was granted, and the blessing of being born into this country (while sometimes VERY debatable these days). I am glad for my gender, my mind and my height (these things have not always been something for which I was thankful). Who I am on the inside and the attributes I bring to the table are not an accident or a mere happenstance; rather, my belief is that the worth of every human can never be overestimated and there is true blessing in knowing one’s worth. *
Gratitude helps rewire the brain to think and feel more positively. A thankful heart reduces stress and pain. It enhances self-esteem and daily life is better when we are thankful. Practicing gratitude helps it become a habit. So today I am thankful for:
The 5 senses – Opposable thumbs – Fingernails – Hair – Saliva – tastebuds – knees – elbows – skin – systems and organs – Medicine for mental health as well as physical – eyes – ears – learning new Hobbies and skills – creative problem solving – the ability to think and remember – good health – personal growth – life – the ability to heal and adapt – strength – resolve
*we were worth Christ’s life. That is beyond measure and invaluable.
Nov. 27 Learning to be grateful
There are some things that are harder to hold thankfully, but I am working on it. What is worth being thankful for is the choice to walk with God and root myself in Him. No. Matter. What. It helps my perspective and my experiences. And that’s worth being thankful for.
People who are draining / takers / Whiners / Loss / Limits / Change and Uncertainty / Mondays / Mornings / Mean words and people / Sarcasm / Aging / loneliness / hard truths / trials and setbacks / politics / broken relationships / being left out / disagreements / bad decisions / discouragement / brokenness / not having my own space or place
Nov. 28. Today I am thankful. grateful. blessed. glad. happy. content. sated. appreciative. pleased. indebted. humbled. overwhelmed by grace. delighted. chuffed. much obliged. stoked. hyped. ta.
“The more you practice the art of thankfulness, the more you have to be thankful for.” — Norman Vincent Peale