“Reflect Each Day On All You Have To Be Grateful For And You Will Receive More To Be Grateful For.” -Chuck Danes

It can be so easy to forget to express the appreciation we feel for the little day-to-day things that happen in our lives.  When life gets tough, it’s not hard to overlook the blessings we receive from those around us.

This week has been great.  I have learned many things this week because of my gratitude list.  I have reconnected with long lost friends.  I have met several new friends.  I have encouraged others to keep a gratitude list (on paper or in their minds).  I learned a lesson from my son.  He is wise beyond his years and his heart is as big as the sun.  I yelled at him because I had a bad day.  Ten minutes later he said, “Mommy, what letter are we on?  Is it ‘D’?  I’m thankful for doves.  Doves stand for peace.  Don’t you like peace and quiet?  Oh, quiet.  That is a good one for Q…” I’m grateful he did not hold my bad behavior against me and pleased that he is enjoying the list.

I’m on a girl’s weekend shopping trip in Gatlinburg, TN.  Me, my sister, my Mom and my sister-in-law are all shopping ourselves to death!  I bought a new Coach pocketbook in red patent leather.  WOW.  I love this bag.  I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend time with the fam!  I’ll post pictures soon…

Have a great weekend.  I’ll still be here…Only 21 more days…

1.  Experience.  “Experience is what you get when you don’t get what you wanted.”  A great quote from a wise man by the name of Randy Pausch.  The world is not the same without him but better off for knowing his story.  The Last Lecture.  Check it out!

2.  Energy.  My son has enough for everyone.  I eat lots of protein everyday and this really helps with my energy level.

3.  Education.  Boy…is this important.  I’m grateful my mother encouraged us to continue our education.  She wanted better for us than what she had.  I never understood that until much later in my life.  Thanks, Mom!

4.  Eyebrow waxing.  Why did no one tell me about this sooner?  I walked through half my life looking like Groucho.  It hurts, yes…but my goodness…it sure makes a difference.

5.  Eighties.  The music, the movies, the memories.  Not the hair and leg warmers.  I can do without that!

6.  Exercise.  Something I do not get enough of.  Oddly, I feel so much better when I do.  One challenge at a time…maybe exercise will be next.

7.  Entertainment.  Usually, I can entertain myself.  However, there is nothing like going to a movie or concert with my pals.  What fun.

8.  Easter.  Hello, my name is Shannon and I still get a visit from the Easter Bunny.  Don’t laugh…it’s tradition.  Santa Claus too!

9.  Extra Features.  Anyone else watch these when they buy or rent a DVD?  I learn so much.

10.  Elevators.  Gee.  I had to go the hospital this morning.  I’m so glad I didn’t have to take the stairs.  Hmmm…maybe I should have thought about exercising…Oh, well.

Feeling grateful and…