On Thanksgiving day, I usually write a list of 50 things I’m thankful for, and this was the first year that I’ve not done that (It might have had something to do with the fact that I actually hosted Thanksgiving this year, so I needed to make more than rolls! And I had kind of a busy week aside from that, so I couldn’t really have gotten it done ahead of time.)
Anyway.
Gratitude is like a muscle that grows the more you use it, and I think gratitude is a huge part of being content, and that contentment is a huge part of cheerfully living on less.
At the moment, I’m not feeling particularly grateful or content. So, I’m gonna type out some random things I’m thankful for, just because I need an attitude adjustment. I don’t have time for 50, but I’ll just type until my blogging time is up.
I am thankful…
-for the imaginative make-believe play that happens in our house every day.
-for a husband who cares if I’ve had a hard day, and who does his best to cheer me up (yesterday, he brought me a large peppermint patty and a cute poinsettia plant…which I will hopefully not kill!)
-for the lovely-smelling Christmas tree in my living room (no lights or ornaments yet, but we’ll fix that soon. We just got it yesterday!)
-for cute kitchen helpers. Zoe helped me make some knotted rolls the other day, and Sonia helped me make some tortilla chips just last night.
-that I am able to homeschool my kids. There are hard days, but I’m so grateful for the opportunity to educate them this way, especially since I know it’s not an option for everyone.
-for the Christmas break from school that is coming up in a little less than two weeks. 😉
-for Pandora internet radio. We use it here and there throughout the year, but we wear it out in December!
-for my van. I know minivans aren’t the hippest thing in the world, but I love mine passionately. You just can’t beat the space/price ratio a minivan can offer, and that thrills my practical heart.
-for tea parties and kind friends from church who love my kids.
Okee-doke. I’m feeling more cheerful now, and it’s time for me to go start my day with the kids.
If you’re feeling down (or even if you’re not!), feel free to share a few things you’re thankful for in the comments. It’s pretty darn uplifting!
Jan Elizabeth
Monday 27th of January 2014
I'm late to the party, but I'm going to do this because I also need to. I'm thankful that I got a new job, even if the home I'm working in feels a bit dark and unhappy. (I'm a nanny.) I'm thankful I can move my piano students around my new nanny schedule. I'm (very) thankful to be getting paid next Friday, after 8 weeks without a paycheque! I'm thankful (through slightly gritted teeth) to be able to shoehorn my stepdaughter into our guest nook for a couple of months so she can get back on her feet. I'm thankful we have buds and shoots all over our yard, and a bustling bird feeder. I'm thankful for The Frugal Girl blog, which takes me back in feeling to my childhood with my lovely mother, helping me get past the nightmare of her Alzheimer's leading to her death. I'm thankful for cuddling sessions with my new grandchild(!!), and the release from all other cares that go with them. I'm thankful all three of my children are getting post-secondary educations. I'm thankful to be letting go of worrying about what other people think, keeping up with the Joneses, rampant consumerism and the feeling of running like crazy on a treadmill. The things I'm worried about keep coming into my mind, so I need this list to offset them. Thank YOU for helping me focus on the important stuff!
brooke
Monday 9th of December 2013
I totally understand not feeling in the mood to be write a long list - or feeling particularly thankful. I also understand how your mood can change by forcing yourself to appreciate all you've been blessed with.
Anticipating your Thanksgiving post, I made one of my own: http://graceandlight.typepad.com/crafting-life/2013/11/my-2013-thankful-list.html
Thank you for the inspiration. :)
aga
Thursday 5th of December 2013
I am thankfull for food I have and roof above my head. It doent belongs to me but hay I am not homeless. I thank to God for my husband and daughter ans that we can be together.
Candace
Thursday 5th of December 2013
I'm so incredibly grateful for my boyfriend. I grew up in a house where I felt a lot of guilt rather than love, and I've spent most of my adult years not really understanding the concept of love without guilt. But ever since I met him I've never felt so loved. It's an amazing feeling to know someone loves you!
Caitlin
Wednesday 4th of December 2013
I am thankful for your minivan comment. :) My dream car since I was a little girl has been a mini van. A new, or new to us, car hasn't been in the budget lately and I am ok with that. BUT we just had an opportunity to buy a new to us van, my dream model too! A Sienna! For a REALLY good deal. It looks like we will bite the bullet and buy it, but its hard to know what the right decision is! I am praying for wisdom. Do we need the van right now? no. Is it a good deal on a newer car that will fit our growing family for years to come? yes. Whats the right decision? I wish it was clear cut! Anyway, all that to say I appreciate your comment that you love your van. :) It's good to know. I feel like you are a kindred spirit.
Keep your chin up! Go turn up pandora and find a station that you can dance with the kids too. We've done that the last few nights in the early dark and it makes us all happy.