This weekend I’m talking about gratitude. I’m also talking about being critical of others and practicing envy. I don’t know anybody consumed with envy who experiences much joy. I don’t know overly critical people who are feeling much joy either. Grateful people—joy is theirs for the taking.
Make a gratitude list this week. A clean sheet of paper or a blank Word document. Things you are grateful for. Creating this list will combat joy’s predators: being critical and envious. Without naming the usual suspects of family, friends, church, and God, here is my attempt:
- Sunny days. It was cloudy for so long. I love the blue skies and warm sun.
- Alone time. I love people and I’m also an introvert. Quiet time makes me healthier so I can love people better.
- Making sausage and smoking meat. Less time consuming ways exist to prepare food—but I love the time working as much as the finished product.
- Running on a trail through the woods. It’s my best way to rest.
- Days when I don’t have to set an alarm.
- Randomly running into people I know. So much fun.
- The women and men who teach and coach my two sons. They give so much time and energy to make my kids better.
- Sending people thank you notes via snail mail. People I know are so generous with their time and resources.
- My dog Esther. She is one of a kind.
- The cold side of the pillow.
- They are the best way to learn.
- It is the best way to move on.
- It makes bad days and good days better.
- Small gestures of kindness from others.
- The smell of driving by a Chinese restaurant.
- Working in my garden.
- Taking photos.
- It’s how I best express myself.
Have fun with your list. I’d love to see it!
Making sausage soothes the soul.
