My Gratitude List

     Earlier in the month I wrote about developing an Attitude of Gratitude.  It's been proven that developing such an attitude can make you a happier person.  I decided yesterday that I would start a gratitude list that I would keep going until Thanksgiving and see how many small things I could possibly be grateful for.  I wasn't really sure how to go about this and I decided to post my gratitudes as my status throughout the day on Facebook.  Yesterday I lumped all of my gratitudes into one post, and that worked fine for yesterday.  I didn't think of the status thing until this morning.  Before I ever got out of bed this morning I posted that my first gratitude today was for soft flannel sheets!  It made me feel good.
     Let me back up just a bit.  These "gratitudes" that I am posting as my status are beyond the big ones which I guess I should clarify.  My number one gratitude of all time has to be God.  He is so patient with me, always has been.  Thank goodness, right?!   I think about how my day went today, and I am so glad that He loves me and is always with me, even when I get myself into a mess.  My 2nd all time gratitude is my daughter.  She is so precious to me and a sweet sweet soul.  My 3rd of all time is my family in Delaware, and my 4th are all of my friends - you are a very special part of my life and always will be even if I don't say it.  My All time 5th gratitude are my "life circumstances" - I have a job that I love, I have a nice apartment, food in the frige and a little extra money to spend.
      So now we can move forward... The little things I was thankful for yesterday were : my co-workers, laughter, Starbucks, the ability to walk, and my city - Portland, OR.  My list thus far for today is:

1. Flannel sheets
2. Clean HOT running water
3. Headphones
4. iHeart Radio
5. Memories that make me laugh out loud
6. The beautiful Autumn leaves in my neighborhood
7. Microwave ovens
8. The unconditional love of my little sweet/snarky dog
9. My iPhone and all of my techie, geekie toys
10. My cute, zippy little car
11. The Delete key on my computer!  (Love that one - it saved me big time today)
12. Delilah's radio show (she keeps me calm - big job believe me)
13. My blog and my ability to write clear and concise thoughts. Thank you Nancy Palmer!  

I'm certain there at least 4 or 5 more, then tomorrow I'll continue.  I have to say that it does give you a more positive outlook.  You notice the little things that you might otherwise take for granted.  I encourage all of you to start a list of your own.  See how many little things that you are truly grateful for in your life.  Share your list at dinner on Thanksgiving with your family.  What a nice tradition to start as a family.  Kaysie is working on her list too and we will share our lists over dinner.  I'm always amazed at the things she thinks of.  Children have such a wonderful window on the world and you are truly lucky if you get to look out of that window with them.  The view is amazing.
     Email me and let me know - how many little things are you grateful for.  Post them on our Facebook page (The Half Full Glass); Tweet the number to me or leave a comment here.  I'll be excited to see how many people take the challenge!  Cheers!