Gratitude is the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful.  That’s easy enough, but-not so much.  Recently, I have been burning the candle at both ends.  Work is super hectic (never a dull moment) these days.  In addition to work, I have been finishing up that “one last project”, getting my son ready to start back to school, planning baby showers, birthday parties, and  building online communities, spring cleaning…the list goes on and on.  Who has time to stop and be grateful, right? ..

By Tuesday, I was ready to pull my hair out.  Everything that could go wrong-did.  Everything that was right-well…nothing was right.  On my commute home, I tried to clear my mind of all the ‘bad stuff ‘and focus on the ‘good stuff’.  Stress Life was really getting to me.  For the life of me, I just couldn’t think of anything-NOTHING.  It took the next few hours for me to realize that I have tons of things to be grateful for.  Somehow, with all of the other stuff going on in my life, I have not stopped to appreciate all of the wonderful things around me…my family, friends, health, job, etc.  How did this happen?

Here’s my solution.  I have decided to set aside time EVERY day to think about the things I am grateful for.   In true OCD fashion, I’m going to create a list of those things and list them it in alphabetical order.  Everyday for the next 26 days, I am challenging myself to list at least 10 things I am grateful for that day.  Of course, I have more than 10 things I am thankful for, but am challenging myself to list at least 10 daily. I’m starting with the letter A.  Here goes…

FINDING GRATITUDE-A

1.  Ashton, Avery, and Allyn-Claire.  My dear nephews and niece.  I’m lucky to have them!

2. America.  I’m proud to join the 300 million+ people who live in this country!

3.  Autumn.  I think Autumn is my favorite season.  Especially when the weather starts getting cooler.  I live in the mountains and love when the leaves start changing.  Absolutely beautiful.

4.  Animals.  I have 2 doggies-Fifi, the Chihuahua and Molly, the Great Dane (my boyfriend’s dog).  I also have a kitty named Mitten Kitten.  They make me smile (except when Mitten Kitten gets on my car…Ugghh)  :0)

5.  Advice.  I’m lucky to be surrounded by such wise people who are willing to offer their advice.  I don’t always take it, but I sure appreciate it!

6.  Accessories.  Who doesn’t love a matching wallet?  What about jewelry?  My goodness!  What fun!  You can go from BLAH to BEAUTIFUL in 10 seconds with the right accessories!

7.  Ambition.  I have a strong desire to achieve many things.  I work hard!  I’ll get there!

8.  Attitude.  Most often, I have a good attitude.  “Your attitude determines your altitude.”  I think I read that in a subway once…

9.  Apologies.  It is okay to say you’re sorry-when you mean it.  Only when you really mean it!  Trust me-I have said it more times than I can count!

10.  Accountability.  This is a word I hear a great deal these days.  In fact, that’s why I’m even making this list.  I’m taking accountability for not recognizing the things I am grateful for by challenging myself to stick to this for at least 26 days!

WHAT FUN!  This could get addictive (another A word!)  Join me if you can.  Even if you don’t make your own list, at least stop for a minute and think about what you are grateful for-every day!