26 things I am grateful for: The Gratitude Challenge
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 8:56AM 
It's the little things that brighten up your day or a door :)
It's not often, if at all, any of us have time to sit down with a journal and a cup of coffee to take note of all the things we're grateful for. But here's our opportunity!
The first assignment for The Gratude Challenge I recently kicked-off is to come up with 26 things you're grateful for using the alphabet as a creative format to jot them down.
Intimidating at first, this exercise was fun and challenged me to think about the little things in my everyday life that go unnoticed but really are a blessing.
I hope this inspires you to grab your coffee and a journal to come up with your very own list.
Here are 26 things I am grateful for:
Ava. My 5 yo daughter who recently said to me that she would like to setup a popsicle stand and give all the money she made to a charity.
Birds. Almost every morning I go out on the back porch to hear the birds and drink my coffee. I cherish these few minutes of peace.
Cuddles. For some reason, cuddles seem to cure any problem I might be having.
Dreams. I'm thankful for my pocket full of dreams.
Etsy. How awesome is it to have Etsy, an online marketplace for artists to share their handmade goods. I recently bought artwork from an artist in Kansas and now exchanging emails with her. That's pretty cool.
Family. After experiencing two divorces before the age of 17 and other baggage that would probably justify a bestselling book titled "I'm surprised I'm not crazy", I'm more than grateful for how imperfect my family is and the love/learning that has come from this.
Girlfriends. If you choose them wisely (insert drama-free here), they are priceless :)
Help. I have such a hard time asking for help but when I receive it, I am SO thankful for it!
Internet. The opportunities created and connections made around the world are all because of the web. It's pretty unbelievable if you sit back and think about it.
Java. I wouldn't survive without my morning cup of java!
Kitty. Right when I am settling into bed she jumps up and cuddles in right next to me. It's cozy.
Laughter. Research has shown that laughter helps us live longer and stay healthier. I truly believe it.
Molly. Molly, my 1 yo daughter, brings me more happiness than I ever imagined.
Neighbors. I recently moved to an Austin neighborhood where people actually go out of there way to meet and interact with each other. It really creates a sense of community that has been lost in so many places.
Office. After working at my dining room table for so long, I treasure my new inspiring office and space at home.
Popsicles in the pool. I love to watch my girls eat their popsicles in the pool. Life is good.
Quiet. I love a quiet house and the silience when I'm driving alone or in the shower. I rarely get to experience any of these and when I do - it's kind of eerie at first!
Roof over my head. Seeing people lose their houses to foreclosures and fires, I'm very thankful to have a comfortable house for my family and I to live in. I don't take it for granted for one minute.
Slippers. There is nothing better than cruising around the house with cozy slippers on!
Traveling. Any opportunity to get out and explore the world with my family, I'm grateful for.
Unknown. If we knew what was planned for us - life wouldn't be so interesting.
Vino. I am thankful for vino that doesn't give me a headache. lol.
Water. After living in two places experiencing drought, you really start to appreciate the water you have and start to wonder, what will we do if there is no more water to sustain us?
Xtra Kisses, Xtra Vino, Xtra Coffee, Xtra Sleep. Xtra Dessert. Any "xtra" of anything goes a long way!
Yes. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will listen. Yes, I will make-it-happen. A little word with a big impact.
Zzzzz's. Anytime I can get a full night's rest, I wake up thinking anything is possible!
There were a few letters that were extra hard like J, U, X, Y and Z. I recruited help from my neighbor and family on these. One idea that came to mind, after reminiscing over the list a couple of times, is hanging it up for daily inspiration!
PS. Make sure to subscribe to my newsletter - it's worth it.
Other useful and inspiring posts:
Healthy eating tips, getting fit and finding life balance
What I've learned in the last year
The best thing I've read all day
The new powerful diet, the anti-cancer diet
Women fess up on what we it really takes to find balance
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Reader Comments (8)
Another great entry! Love your alphabet list. How come I didn't think of "vino"?! I was so stumped I had to Google "beautiful words that start with "v"" :-)
I also did the alphabet earlier and when I read yours I could not believe how many of the same words we used. Great minds think alike.
This is fabulous! Under "M" I put My Inspiration Lounge. Here's wishing more and more people practice gratitude and appreciation. Thank YOU!
I love this list. I hope you don't mind if I make my own list on my blog. I love writing down as a reminder of everything I am grateful for. Thanks for sharing. :)
Hey are you a professional journalist? This article is very well written, as compared to most other blogs i saw today�.
anyhow thanks for the good read!
I wish I was a journalist in my previous life! The fear of writing blog posts would not settle in as much. Thanks for stopping by and glad this list inspired you! It is probably one of my favorite posts. It shows the simple things in life that make us happy :)
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