The problem
Recently, I’ve really needed some good vibes. For some reasons, even though things are working out alright, I’m not content. I find myself seeing other lives and wishing I have it like them. It’s far too easy for me to get caught up in someone else’s life. For example, my friends are all graduating grad school while I’m finishing up my bachelor’s degree. They’re buying their own apartments while I still go back and forth with living with my parents. I wish I had enough money that I didn’t have to worry about finances. Those are just a few examples.
Now, before I become the star of my own pity party, yes, I have a lot. Really, I have what I need. I also know that I can take steps to change my life, but I think the problem is a little deeper than that.
I found that the underlying problem I was having was ingratitude. Thankfulness was definitely not part of my plan. It was far too easy to think about what I didn’t have and try to blame others, circumstances, or myself. Playing the blame game really doesn’t help in changing, though.
I decided that the best way to get rid of the ingratitude is to think about the good things I have. I know I’m so blessed. Seriously, I have what I need. It’s hard to remember that, though. A list is the easiest way for me to recognize the good in my life. So without further ado, here is a list of 100 things that I am grateful for.
Gratitude List
- A roof over my head
- Comfortable blanket
- Beautiful view
- Sunsets
- Trees/foliage
- Fresh air
- Picket fences
- Veggies
- Fruit
- Abundance
- Minimalism
- Shoes
- Health
- Windows
- Sunlight
- Friends
- Best friends
- Road trips
- Adventures
- Transportation
- Independence
- Gardens
- Soil
- Scriptures
- Church
- Beliefs
- God
- Rain
- Writing
- Learning
- Knowledge
- Photography
- Creativity
- Abstract ideas
- Morning walks
- The silence before the world wakes up
- Modern medicine
- Hospitals
- Hard-working men and women
- Light
- Blue skies
- Hammocks
- Summer
- Lazy days
- Laying in soft grass
- Hiking
- Siblings
- Acceptance
- Open-minds
- Art
- Colors
- Sight
- Hearing
- Touch
- Smells
- Tastes
- Mushrooms (I REALLY love mushrooms)
- Work
- Blogs
- Projects
- Planners
- Notebooks
- This earth
- Inspiration
- Realization
- Memories
- Books
- Letters
- Journals
- Family
- Family history
- Stories
- Air conditioning
- Heated blankets
- Warmth
- Fire
- Waterparks
- Waves
- The beach
- The ocean
- Cultures
- Travel
- Diversity
- Airplanes
- Mountains
- Clouds
- Rolling plains
- A good view
- Landscapes
- Snow
- Snowflakes
- Icy lakes
- Mittens
- Reading by the fire
- Whispers
- Music
- Piano solos
- Instruments
- Jazz
- Life
What happened
I’ve learned that once I got going, it wasn’t that hard to come up with 100 things I really love. It’s actually a really interesting feeling. You start writing, and suddenly, you feel content with all that you have.
It’s so easy to get caught up in keeping up with the Jones’, but once you see what you have, you don’t worry about them anymore. You recognize that you have enough. That is the power of gratitude.
Now that I’ve seen how this has changed my attitude, I want to do this exercise often, especially when I start feeling ungrateful. It’s definitely worth taking 20 minutes out of your day.
Try it yourself. Make a list of everything you are grateful for. Handwritten is best. Hang it up on your mirror, bedside table, or kitchen fridge. Look at it frequently, and remember all the things you should be grateful for.
Download this worksheet to fill out if you get stuck.
Sending good vibes your way,
