But one feeling you can’t evade is gratitude. And it can start with the simplest of tasks and go on to much bigger outcomes.
How often do we pause and give thanks to the little chances and the great people? Most often, we take them for granted. We forget to appreciate what they mean to us and how their lives impact ours.
In no particular order, these are what I am truly grateful for:
* My circle of friends who are always ready, at the drop of a hat, to send food over when I’m sick, Β look after my daughter if I’m delayed on an errand and cheer me up when I’m in a pretty foul mood.
* My incredible daughter, Gy, who continues to amaze me with her mature outlook, her overwhelming concern for others and her ability to talk like the Energizer Bunny!
* My husband and his enviable culinary skills, which ensure that I get a great home cooked meal, on the days I feel lousy and unable to get out of bed.
*My parents who taught me that to love unconditionally is the only way to love.
* My sister, who thinks the world of me and whose shoulder I’ve found the most comfortable place to dry my tears.
*My in-laws, who dispel the myth surrounding their category, and have been unshakable rocks of support for the last twelve-odd years.
*My loyal students, old and current, who give me so much love- something I’m not entirely sure I deserve, at times.
*My regular and growing number of readers, who unfailingly comment on my writing and how it moved them or spoke to them.
*My books, for it is in them that I spend some of my best hours.
* My networks, for keeping me connected to seasoned contacts and putting me in touch with an ever-growing group of fantastic people.
* And to the earth and the sky and the trees for just being there.
If I had to pick one incident which reflects the reason for my gratitude, it would have to be about Gy. The time that I took up my ‘Yelling Less Challenge’, I had almost made it through the week and then disaster stuck in the form of a physical injury. Just when I decided to ditch my effort, Gy stepped in and cooperated with me so beautifully, because she knew how important the challenge was to me.
Thanks to her, not only did I complete the week, I went on to a whole monthΒ after that!
So, what are you grateful for today?
It's so good to be reminded that it's important to look around and see the glass as half-full rather than half-empty.
I like your idea that you can never have too much gratitude.
There is always something to be grateful for, even when that thing is hard to find.
I'm glad you put it that way. Yes, I think we need to focus more on the positives and draw strength from them, rather than let the negatives bog us down.
Right? There are days that I feel guilty and depressed and then I have to give thanks that I am in a better place now, than, maybe ten years ago.
Loved this upbeat list Shailaja π – the one about in-laws is something I always think about and am thankful for when I hear folks complaining :).
I agree. Gratitude is one thing we need to consciously focus on expressing, so that it becomes instinctive.
Thanks Aparna π Was in a really grateful mood yesterday and felt like penning it.
Awesome.. indeed. Very simple and straight from the heart!!- from Haritha
Beautifully put Shailaja. As you know, Gratitude is a topic very close to my heart. It makes me so happy to read all these positive things you've shared. π
I'm thankful for a well spent day creating today. π
Thanks Haritha, for reading and the compliment π
So glad it touched a chord with you π
It's so important to remind yourself what you're grateful forβ¦ it pulls me out of negative thinking. Wonderful post π
I need to constantly remind myself of what I'm grateful for…thanks for reminding me. π
This is what we need to go on…
That's a great list. And this is this is a super idea – to list things you are grateful for… Makes you realise you have lots to be happy about.
Thank you π
And the key to that lies inside us:) Thanks for stopping by!
You're welcome:) Thanks for reading.
Thanks Debi! Do make a list and send me the link here π
I am grateful that my asthma has been easy today.
As I am sure I would be too! Take it easy and don't stress yourself.
Thanks for popping by π