Depending on the time of year, sometimes we are more present to being thankful than other times.  For example at Thanksgiving we often share what we are thankful for with friends and relatives around our turkey dinner.  Oprah has been encouraging people for years to make gratitude lists and many folks practice mantras offering thanks before their feet touch the ground in the morning after a good night’s sleep to set the tone for the day.

This interesting and different kind of list comes to me from a very long-time friend, Susan, who when I first moved to Los Angeles in the early 80s (the first out of 3 separate times I lived here) met me at my apartment building when my truck pulled up and asked if she could help unload.  So I’ll start with I am thankful to meet such an amazing and generous person.

She told me that she keeps this list posted on her refrigerator so that she is reminded every day just how abundant, free, loved, and influential she is.

I AM THANKFUL FOR –

The mess to clean after a party
because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

The clothes that fit a little too snug
because it means I have enough to eat.

A lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning
and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.

The spot I find at the far end of the parking lot
because it means I am capable of walking.

All of the complaining I hear about our government
because it means we have freedom of speech.

My huge heating bill because it means I am warm.

The lady behind me in church who sings off key
because it means that I can hear.

Weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day
because it means I have been productive.

The alarm that goes off in the early morning hours
because it means that I am alive.

There are soooo many reasons to be thankful, grateful and appreciative every day.  Look for them.  If you don’t see them you can create a reason.  Turning your attention to what is good about any subject or situation, even when the circumstance may not seem like it at first glance, is a practice.  And practice makes progress.