Shouting Gratitude

IMG_1394Toward the end of October, I decided to try something I ultimately called 30 Days of Gratitude for the month of November.  My goal is to post 3 positive things every day.  So far, it’s been pretty easy, though I know some days will be harder than others.  I just wanted to do something positive because there’s a lot of negativity out there.

A friend and fellow blogger (Be Nice and Follow the Rules) is also doing 30 days of gratitude.  It’s not a new idea for her.  She usually posts what she’s grateful for each day in November.  Her most recent blog talked about how some people are receiving it negatively, as if calling attention to gratitude in November makes people hypocritical.

I was a little surprised at first, then not as surprised as I wanted to be.  The fact is that none of us exist in a static state.  We’re meant to change constantly, because if we’re not growing and changing, we’re decaying and dying.  I don’t mean that negatively.  I just can’t be grateful every minute of every day.  Nor can I be happy.  Or sad.  Or angry.  We’re not meant to exist too long in one state.

Should I be grateful for what I have every day?  Yes, of course.  And most of the time I am, in a quiet, personal way.  I don’t make posts about gratitude.  But sometimes it’s a good thing to call attention to something.  It doesn’t mean I’m not grateful other times.  Mostly it just means I don’t want to blow up my Facebook feed with something that mostly belongs in my journal.

So… what do you think?  Is having a month where people call attention to gratitude a good thing or a bit hypocritical?

Day 13 of 30 days of Gratitude

I’m grateful I don’t hear voices. I know it sounds random, but whenever I work with someone who’s psychotic, I can’t help but think that.

I’m grateful I have family and friends who love me, support me, and don’t judge me.

Most of all I’m grateful that I have a list of people I could call at 2 a.m. if I needed to.

Day 5 of 30 Days of Gratitude

 

This is my before picture.  Scary, huh?

This is my before picture. Scary, huh?

1. I’m grateful for this very weird burst of organizing gusto I’ve gotten. I’ve wanted to re-organize my office for a long time, and put in my lovely, wonderful, long awaited desk… and that’s as far as I’ve gotten, until today.

2. I’m grateful for whatever force it is that’s allowing me to get rid of things. I don’t throw things away, mostly ever. But I am freecycling, ebaying, and Goodwill-ing.

3. I’m grateful for my book club, which has been exposing me to books I would have otherwise NEVER picked up.

Day 4- 30 Days of Gratitude

IMG_14811.  I’m grateful for the Pumpkin Spice Latte.  So soon you’ll be gone, but while you’re here, I’ll love you as many times as I can.

2.  I’m grateful that I didn’t dump the entire enchilada bake I just made on myself and the floor.  Very grateful.

3.  I’m grateful for Pink Floyd.  If housework must be done, I’m glad Pink Floyd is there to keep me company.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Thankful

I *try* not to complain.  Some people take the attitude that things can always be worse, and I suppose that’s usually true.  But that’s not why I try not to complain.  For me, it’s more about this: I only have one life to live.  It’s mine.  I can’t control everything in it, nor would I want to.  I actually try to embrace the chaos.  But the fact is that whatever hand I’ve been dealt, it’s mine, and it’s no use to complain about the cards.  Sometimes it feels good for a minute, but it doesn’t change the cards and just delays the inevitable… whatever play I end up making with them.

I really believe that attitude is everything and that most of us make our own luck.  I try to send positive out into the universe, and hope that I’ll get mostly positive in return.  We all have personal tragedies… unfortunately none of us can get through life without them.  People die… loved ones get sick… we ourselves get sick… there’s loss and pain… And none of us can escape those things.  So why not be happy/ grateful/ content with what I have today, knowing that tomorrow it could be different?

I remember with love the ones I’ve lost… my friend John… Jamie… my grandmothers… my grandfathers… my mother and father in law… my grandparents in law… pets…  I miss them, and am even more grateful for those I still have.  Yes, I get mad at those I love.  I’m only human.  But I try to remember what they bring to my life (other than aggravation).  Love, laughter, friendship, a shoulder to cry on.

I know this is a photo challenge, but I felt thoughtful and wanted to share.  So… in pictures…

Family and friends…

Discovering exercise I actually love… hiking!

Quiet time…

Books…

Good health…