How often do we begin a sentence that way? And when we do, it’s often in response to having avoided something negative.
“I’m grateful it wasn’t worse.”
”I’m grateful she didn’t hear that.”
”I’m grateful he’s okay.”
Of course, we’re about to celebrate the designated day for being grateful and giving thanks. And we’ve been doing so since President George Washington proclaimed that Thursday, November 26, 1789, would be a “Day of Publick [sic] Thanksgivin [sic].”
But what about the other 364 days? It’s true, not every thing in our lives run 100% smoothly (to be honest, it’s probably more like 50%). Yet it’s good for the mind, heart, and blood pressure to find at least one thing each day to be genuinely grateful for that doesn’t involve escaping some wretched fate!
Waking up each day, having someone to love, seeing the beauty in nature: all good options for being grateful when all else seems like a pile of mush.
Along with those things, I’m grateful for many others: the ability to write, cook adequately (and enjoy it, as well), and collect seashells.
So here’s a little early holiday gift: discover your grateful list. I promise, it’ll deliver benefits.
Wishing you all a Happy (and grateful) Thanksgiving!
