Whether you believe in God or not, it is a good habit to count your blessings. In fact, it has been scientifically proven that being thankful for what you have is good for your health and mental wellbeing. I know this because I saw it in a Twitter meme, so it must be true. For it to work, it is recommended that you find at least five things to be thankful for.
I record daily thanks in a notebook and I’ve been doing it for about six years. I only have bad moods on non-recording days but this might be because I don’t record my thanks because I’m in a bad mood. Science has to get back to me on that one.
Thanks should be personal to you because it’s unrealistic to be thankful for the neighbour a few doors down with the flawless skin and gleaming hair when you’re going through age-mandated repuberty and you look like Dorian Gray’s older, less attractive sister. They don’t need to be big things, though we ought to be thankful for them also. On days when I’m almost in a bad mood and can’t be bothered to be grateful that my fingernails look fabulous, I use my big things as default thanks: husband, kids, grandson, dogs, health, wealth, outstanding personality. More often than not, though, I’m thankful for small things like cheese & onion crisps, panty liners, invites to dinner at friends’ homes=no cooking, etc., and I have been thankful for as many as 23 separate things on Malteser days.
Today, to put my money where my mouth is, I’m going to share my thanks with you.
I am thankful for:
- My lack of money, because it teaches me the true value of things (a little fake sincerity is surprisingly positive at times)
- How often my fake sincerity teaches me the true value of things
- That I’m not in a bad mood
- For my eldest child; I love him so much
- For the man he has become
- Cheese & onion crisps, obviously
- That he’s a fantastic father
- That he’s known me for 28 years and yet he still talks to me
- That blogging is cheaper than a birthday card
Surprise!
Happy birthday, darling!
Thank goodness that’s over with.
Oops! Did I say that out loud? Thank goodness he didn’t read me. And that he has a great sense of humour…
Excluding what we have established is the boring (family/pets/health/etc.), what are YOU thankful for?
The Laughing Housewife 
My dog Kato, who over the last three years has overcome the abuse he suffered and become a true companion.
My new job which allows me to use my brain for more than keeping my ears apart.
The fact that my soul is at peace.
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I’m thankful for fabulous and hilarious friends who blog in good times, bad times and down right frustrating times. They let me know that it’s okay to be human and fallible and remind me to laugh and remember, it’s only life! Keep up the good work and enjoy the Maltesers.xxx
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what must be the first real sun we’ve had (literally) in a month that doesn’t hold the promise of snow
I have a cold: that means I can put off my dental visit tomorrow
I lost a pound, and with any luck it won’t show up any time soon
A good husband. He always looks slightly concerned when I have a cold, which is nice
Serenity. Took awhile, but I’ve learned to let the damn boat go where it wants, most of the time
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I am thankful for my wonderful friends, who are my family and who have been there for me when times have been so very, very bad.
I am thankful I finally have my very own house.
I am thankful I have a reliable vehicle that is not embarrassing to be seen driving.
I am thankful I have a job, although I don’t particularly like it and want to find something else, it does pay the bills, mostly.
I am thankful for my new electric snowblower, which I got to use just this last Monday to clear a foot of snow out of my driveway instead of having to shovel it all by hand.
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Oh…my “thankful” list is far too large to be expressed here…I’m afraid it would be considered spam by WordPress’ filter. 🙂 So I’ll just say I’m thankful for you.
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I give thanks to you, Tilly, as you always make me smile, even on the days when I don’t want to!
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I hope your hubby had a wonderful birthday. And expressing gratitude is a wonderful habit. I think your priorities are very clear. I’d list tortilla chips and guacamole, but cheese and onion crisps are probably worthy as well. 🙂
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I just realized I have been missing you. What have you been up to?
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Hello, BBC!
I’ve been consumed by my dissertation, visiting my son & grandson, stung by two bees – in the head – ill, and a hundred other little distractions. I’ve been meaning to write a post for the last seven weeks and just not had the time.
Thanks for thinking of me, for missing me. I swear I will write SOMETHING (at some point) 🙂
TB xx
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oh there you are. Thank goodness I thought you might have grown wings and flight at the same time. Take care of you, Tilly, please. We do worry.
No pressure.
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