On Gratitude

I’ve been reading healthy living magazines long enough to know that gratitude is an important part of, well … a healthy life. Why, then, is it so hard for me to make it a daily practice? What could be more inspiring and satisfying than sitting down with a pen and notebook and slowly, thoughtfully writing down things that make me happy? Things that I was lucky to see that day, people I was blessed to connect with, food that tasted so good I still remembered the meal. The idea is that the more you pay attention to the things that inspire gratitude, the more positive your life becomes. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? Going through the days on a cloud of good feelings? But it’s not so easy – there’s plenty to worry about: jobs, money, health, the environment. I believe the key – in everything, really – is balance. That doesn’t mean I’m a model of balanced living, but I’m trying, and I think that counts.

And so, in the spirit of gratitude, here’s a short, impromptu list. I’ve left out the obvious things (health, housing, T’ai Chi Chih) to make room for the things I might take for granted. I am grateful for: ceiling fans, farmers’ markets, classic rock, clean water, sunscreen, black tea with agave syrup, egg salad, annual family vacations to the Jersey shore, film cameras, crickets, thank-you cards, strong hugs.

This is just a beginning. What are YOU grateful for? Find a pen (a nicely sharpened pencil is also very satisfying), and a piece of paper – even the back of an envelope – and start your own list. Do it now, and see what happens.