When things get dark, as they sometimes do, it’s helpful to smack someone. I mean, it’s helpful to smile, and count your blessings.
I was thinking today that my life is about as happy as it’s ever been, and I have a lot that I appreciate, and that’s saying something, because I’m pretty generally a happy person. When times weren’t so pleasant, I counted my blessings. And I was happy then, too. So I thought I’d count my blessings now and see what happens. It’s sort of a physics experiment. We’ll see if I spring a leak somewhere.
Disclaimer: I do not believe in playing The Glad Game, however. There is no point ignoring something stupid (I know, another banned word), wrong, or devastating and trying to smear a coat of greasy gratitude over it. Stupid, wrong, or devastating things need attention, even if only to state in unequivocal terms how stupid, wrong or devastating they are. But there’s a point when you can’t do too much more on the SWorD front, and you need a refocus. The Glad Game is denial. Gratitude: that’s just the laws of physics working in your favor.
So let’s see what happens if you expand something that’s already feeling full.
I’m grateful for . . .
- fingers
- cold water
- seeing
- ice cream
- scissors
- laughing
- newborn baby smell
- hot showers
- music
- shiny fabrics
- rings
- dirt (in flower pots)
- my bed
- good stories
- kind friends
- strawberries
- flowers
- books
- pilot V5 precise rolling ball pens
- a God who listens and talks
- my computer
- interesting experiences
- avocados
- windows
- green grass without chiggers
- rain
- the first rays of sun shining in the valley over the mountain
- fresh tomatoes
- being with my kids
No leaks. I’d say we’re built to expand with a bit of gratitude. What’s your 2-minute gratitude list?
Maggie
June 9, 2010
As a physics major this post annoys me. there is no physics involved.
I’m grateful for the individual spirits the Lord has sent me. water parks and roller coasters, and women who offer extra hands on Sunday and hold my sweet babies.
Robin G
June 9, 2010
I’m grateful that no matter how much I don’t want it to sometimes, the sun keeps rising and the world keeps turning.