Science has proven that people who express their gratitude daily are 25% happier and significantly healthier than those who don’t—and doing it takes as little as a minute a day!
Here’s what I wrote about Gratitude a year ago.
11-23-09 — Monday — I’m thankful that most of the accidents of life are not serious. My son had a straw in his mouth, was running … (I know, I know. How in the world did I let that happen? Well, guess what? Kids do stuff when you aren’t looking!) It was jammed into the back of his throat, apparently not by his sister whacking him with her book, to the right of his uvula across the soft palate. I am grateful nothing terribly damaging happened though he can’t eat. It hurts to swallow or yawn and he cried non-stop last night as we tried noodles, Keefer, and other soft foods, finally discovering the only thing that didn’t hurt was milk. But he hasn’t done any lasting damage.
11-24-09 — Tuesday — Today I spent a 1/2 hour getting PT on my cheek for “clenching” my jaw which has given me TMJ. And although I am obviously really grateful for this care, I am incredibly grateful to have health insurance. Because this is one of those things that I would not have sought treatment for if I had no insurance. Or get my eyes checked soon. Because I’ve been waking up with headaches about three times a week for unknown reasons.
11-25-09 — Wednesday — It’s 5:30 am and I wake early in order to get a minute with my coffee and thoughts before I rouse the children. I am grateful for these few minutes. I want to be a more intentional person, directed by purpose rather than the winds of the kids. Their moods right now are gale winds (especially the tweener) that knock me sideways more often than not. I am grateful today for new days, second and third and on and on, the chances to make this day a good one. Whatever may have happened yesterday can be set to rest and this day can begin fresh.
11-26-09 — Thursday — Ironically I wrote nothing on Thanksgiving about what I was thankful for, but I enjoyed and was grateful for a full tummy and family to share it with.
11-27-09 — Friday — Something’s going on and I can’t put my finger on it. But I am feeling funky — Not thankful at all.
11-28-09 — Saturday — I am thankful for my dear friend Jeanette, who in the midst of a health struggle with the pain of living with MS and health insurance stupidity, and everything else, continues to express her creativity and verve for life through her art. She is an inspiration.
11-29-09 — Sunday — I am thankful for the anguish of the soul because it brings me closer to understanding.
11-30-09 — Monday — So grateful that I my questions and crying out to God are okay. Grateful for my spiritual journey which is often more full of doubt and questions than understanding. But when it comes, the clarity and Truth are so good.
12-1-09 — Tuesday — Good people in my life that love me enough to be honest with me — so often I need that kind of love.
UPDATE on TMJ: Turns out the mouthpiece I got isn’t really helping though I’m going to give it more time. The doctor asked: Are you under stress? Me: well, I guess it’s relative. I quit smoking this year. And drinking I say almost as an afterthought. “My God” the doctor says. I can’t do either. Am I under stress? What a question. Anyway, prognosis. He said: I need Yoga, or Mindfulness work, or Meditation, or hypnosis, or some kind of therapy: …
12-2-09 — Wednesday — Somehow I lost this day. Does that ever happen to you?
12-3-09 — Thursday — So thankful! Parenting is one of my greatest challenges, as I have no compass. I doubt (almost) every move I make! I am reading a great little book on this, (though the title is a little too enthusiastic.) The TurnAround Mom: How an Abuse and Addiction Survivor Stopped the Toxic Cycle for Her Family–and How You Can, Too!
12-4-09 — Friday — Thankful for Health Insurance. A great pediatrician that I love as a person and trust as a doctor. And weekends, though I have to say that it isn’t much different than the week for at at-home parent, except they have eight more hours to make the house dirty!!!!! Yes, I am bitter and all of a sudden don’t seem thankful.
I am thankful that my annual Mole/Skin violation (check-up) produced no more skin cancer! I guess last year’s discovery was an anomaly.
12-5-09 — Saturday — Two things I am most grateful for today:
1) That I am sober. And although I do not know what this life will hold — sober — I’m taking it one day at a time.
2) That my anger is strong but I don’t take it out on my family. I don’t quite know how to work through it but I don’t hurt my family.
12-15-09 — Wednesday — Our incredible abundance. May we have generous hearts.
12-19-09 — Saturday — A warm home. More food than I can eat. Love.
Logic & Imagination 