Gratitude & Thankfulness
…this week I’ve reflected every day on what there is in life to be thankful for. When doing this it is a relief to move away from other perspectives such as “how others have it more easier than I do” or “What I want but cannot have.” Instead, I look over my life and take note of all I do have. In the best moments of reflecting on these things, I can even begin to see even more opportunities for being thankful in the future. I’m nowhere near a life purpose that would focus exclusively on building a future of thankfulness and gratitude, save for a few glimpses here and there. I’ve shared these glimpses below.
There is something communal about sharing the things you are thankful for. I mean, when other people share their lists of thankfulness and you find a kind of connection with their list, that literally “opens up” your own world for feeling those things that others are thankful for, thus sometimes motivating you to feel their sense of thankfulness for yourself. In short: there is way too much in the world to be thankful for and other people’s gratitude list’s remind you of things you have forgotten.
I know on the AI forums there is often a “gratitude” thread that develops. But, if you’d like, it would be cool if you shared your own list here as well in the comments below.
Gratitude & Thankful List
For getting a PhD
For family
Mentors
Apartment
Location in the Midwest (weather)
Books
Car
Connecting with people at levels of feeling and core desires
The gym
Stipends
Knowing how to cook (grandma)
Dating a model and losing her
Dating
Getting married and losing her
Beautiful girls who have no shields
A great meditation
The sound of locusts in the twilight
Central air conditioning
Sunset
For being able to feel sad
Dissatisfaction
Youtube
Cool evenings in the summer
Listening to someone willing to share who they are
The person who butchers meat so I don’t have to
Anxiety
Trees outside my window
People who make apartments
People who make cars
Hands, my hands
Extended family
Being unable to be myself with my family
Getting divorced
My bed
Covers, nice bed covers
Music, my music
Drumming in high school
Fresh air
Getting cheated on
Being left for “the other guy”
Television
The moon
Feeling through people who are expressive
Porches
Overdraft protection
Motorcycle lessons
Vitamins
Sleep
Living only 2 hours away from Chicago
Well crafted windows
Blogging
Crayons
Hard work
Naps
Clouds
Cheap kites
Radio stations
Softly touching a girl’s body
Good humor
Girls who are funny
Expectations
Desires
Long showers in the dark
T.V. Shows with girls
Frustration
Corey Anton
AI
Real people
Laptop
Electric shavers
Intentions
Ipod
The world, nature
Lakes and beaches
Libraries
Sex
Transformation movies
Talking to myself
Listening
Forgetfulness
Ringing in the ears
Sadness
Teaching
Good kisses, and that soft breath you feel on your lips just before…
Students
Dancefloors
Dancing
People unafraid to be extraordinary
History
People willing to live more than just good enough
Lee Thayer
Feelings
Emotions
Communication
The U of I
Sunroofs in cars
Conscience (my own and others)
For people who are not afraid to do what is right
Tears (joy and sadness)
A good smile (my own and others)
The sundress
The high heel
Tight black mini dresses
Women in latex outfits
Vodka
For every girl in my life whose actions reminded me that I am not good enough
Acceptance and action
Echinacea tea
Beach sand
Heartbreaks
Approach anxiety
Freedom (my own and other’s)
Cooking
Pizza delivery
My Country
People who die so I don’t have to