At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.  Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. ~Albert Schweitzer

Yesterday was a rainy day. The sky was dark and I stayed iat home all day. Funny-I did not mind it at all. Normally, I would be in a gloomy mood. Not yesterday. I surprised myself. I honestly think I owe it to my ‘list’.

Yesterday I found myself smiling, thinking of past times. I laughed a lot. It felt really good. I never imagined my ‘list’ could make such a difference. I don’t think I had one negative thought all day. Life is good.

When I decided to search for gratitude in my life, I figured I would blog it, really never thinking anyone would read it.  But…I have received a few comments, and for that, I’m grateful.  If you don’t write it, at least-think it!

Today is day 3 of my challenge. Let’s ‘C’ what I’m grateful for today (obviously a failed attempt to be witty…)

1. Cameron. My son. He is the best thing to ever happen to me. I have no idea where I would be at this moment without him. Every decision I make in life revolves around him. How will this decision affect Cam? What would Cameron do if I…? Is this the right thing for Cameron?

2. Chocolate. My other best friend.

3. Cartoons. So what if I’m 35? I love watching cartoons. I just wished they still came on Saturday mornings like when I was a kid. Hmm…I wonder why they don’t???

4. Chap-Stick. Yep, another addiction. I can’t live without it. I have a tube on my dresser, 2 or three in my pocketbook, in my car, my make-up case, my desk…I never want to be in a situation without it.

5. Coach handbags. Need I say more?

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Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary. -Margaret Cousins

Yesterday I found myself thinking more and more about the things I am grateful for.  I am actually carrying around a notebook and jotting down things as they pop into my mind.  Even my son is participating! It is amazing the things I realize I have taken for granted.  On Day 2 of my challenge,  I want to recognize the things I am grateful for… starting with the letter B, of course!

Finding Gratitute-B

1.  Brothers.  John, my younger brother and Bob, my brother-in-law.  I have often wondered if Bob is God’s silly way of punishing me for all the mean things I did to my brother growing up.  Now, Bob irritates me!  How many times can he ‘goose’ me and think it’s funny!

2.  Best Friend.  I’m lucky to have a best friend who will stand beside me and not judge me for the wrong decisions I make or the faults I have.  God Bless Her!

3.  Band-Aids.  I’m a klutz.  I’m rarely without a band-aid.  Plus, as some of you know (if you read the about me page)  I cut myself shaving every time I shave! I am stuck on Band-aid brand, ‘cause band-aid’s stuck on me…

4.  Bling! Come on…every girl loves jewelry, especially diamonds.

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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!

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There is no doubt about it, I am obsessed with food. I wake up thinking about food. I’m eating breakfast wondering about what I will eat for snack. When I’m eating snack, I’m daydreaming about lunch. You get my drift. OBSESSION. I have sometimes wished I could be obsessed with something besides food. Anything…just to take my mind off food. Of course, now that I have a new obsession, I’m wondering if it is even more dangerous than my love affair with food.  Meet my new obsession. It’s called Pandora. Pandora jewelry is probably most recognized for their patented, customizable charm bracelets. Or at least that’s how my obsession with Pandora began. This obsession started in December 2008 when I received my first Pandora Bracelet and a few charms. Now, my obsession with Pandora is really out of control. In fact, in less than 9 months, I have completely filled 3 (yes, 3) Pandora bracelets. That is thousands of dollars worth of heaven. I can’t help it. I am addicted.

This weekend my sister and I went to our favorite jewelry store. I spent entirely too much money on Pandora jewelry. In fact, I spent an obscene amount of money. I keep telling myself “At least this obsession is calorie-free”. :0) My shopping spree got me to thinking…Why do I have to do everything in excess? I spend money in excess and I eat in excess. My two favorite things-food and shopping. I’m starting to see a pattern here. It’s just that I feel so much better when I eat and shop. It’s afterward that I feel guilty. Perhaps I need therapy. Just a thought.  Surely there is some underlying reason I do this?  Is this normal? Hmm…Any suggestions for lunch? (see, I’m already thinking about lunch!)

Until I decide how to handle my obsessions, I’m off to eat a snack, read my new cookbook, shop on ebay and try on my new shoes.  Oh, and admire my extremely expensive new Pandora bracelet.

Okay, I have not made any progress.  In fact, I have actually gained weight since my declaration to lose weight.  Go figure.  This is a little something I like to call “SELF-SABOTAGE”!!  I do it every time.  But I really need to get serious.  My motivation is a 6 on a scale of 10.  Not nearly enough to get up off the couch and participate in exercise.  However, a 6 puts me on the couch watching other people exercise.  That is at least a start, right?  :0)  So, since I have made no progress, I have decided to give up fast food!  This should, hopefully, FORCE me to eat better.  I now find myself eating junk every single day.  This is really not like me.  Fast food is not that great.  In fact, I usually loathe it anyway.  It’s just that I eat there to save time.  I’ve been so busy and so stressed that I just don’t want to prepare a healthy meal when I get home.  Pathetic, I know.  Today I turn over a new leaf.  I’m staying out of the fast food joints!  I’m going to continue to walk (I walked 3 miles yesterday!) and I’m going to start packing my lunch.  This really should help.

I’m also starting a food journal.  I honestly have no idea how many calories I consume everyday.  In the past I have not had a great deal of luck keeping a food journal.  I’m already pressed for time.  Adding one more thing could push me over the edge!  But, as least I’m going to make an attempt to do it.  I’ll let you know how that goes.