Gratitude.

This morning I was listening to an audio portion from Heidi Swapp's A Year To Remember class at Big Picture Scrapbooking - it was all about gratitude. It totally hit home with me. I needed to hear her message (I am continually amazed at how things flow in just this way).


I have been super grouchy lately. Grumpy & grumbly and generally down. In a funk that has been tough to shake.


Now I know that being grateful is a really effective way to get out of feeling down. I know it. And yet, I have been wallowing in that overall yuckiness. Allowing little things to push me over the edge. Little patience. Sounds like I have been really fun to be around doesn't it? Poor Chris.


This is why I love taking classes, why I love being a student, why I never want to stop being a student: I learn stuff that helps me in my life. So thanks Heidi - thanks for telling me what I needed to hear and reminding me how very important an attitude of gratitude really is in each of our lives.


I am going to get myself out of this funk.


So here I go - here are six things I am grateful for RIGHT NOW:


1. UPS shipping. They come right to my door.
2. My Mom coming for a visit tonight & making a Costco stop for dog food for Lily & detergent for laundry.
3. Pop dots. They are making a project I am working on come together.
4. Gas dusters. I hate having dust and junk inside my keyboard and this can blows it all right out.
5. The ability to get up right now and go take a hot shower and then dress myself in a cozy sweater and jeans.
6. The generosity of people. Over 200 donations (over $6000) directly to Autism Speaks. Thank you.


Anyone else need to get over grumpiness or out of a bad mood? I think I need a bigger list or that hot shower right about now. What are you grateful for this moment?

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147 thoughts

  1. Sue Mannel says…
    02/22/2007

    That I have a God that has bigger dreams for me than I could ever have or imagine.
    Sue

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Alisa Noble says…
    02/22/2007

    Right there with ya sister! It's been a very grumpy work week...un-true gossip running ramped through the school, the boss getting fired (unexpected shocker), and just a lot of unnecessary meanness.
    I'm grateful for maturity, a good night sleep and a refuel of positive energy just when I need it the most!
    Hang in there. You will refuel too!

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. marty g says…
    02/22/2007

    Dude!
    I am so where you are right now! I thought it was just me, hahah!
    I seriously feel like I'm either going to hurt someone or eat myself until I explode.
    My scrapping, everything has suffered. I seriously don't know what to do...
    So here's what I'm grateful for:
    1)My mom for doing the dishes pretty much every night and maintaining a positive outlook on life, no matter how annoying that is to me right now.
    2) My husband, for not divorcing me, even though I know he really feels like it sometimes... :)
    3) My kids, for keeping me grounded and giving me a reason to keep going, even when I sometimes really don't want to.
    4) For people like Ali Edwards who I feel connected to in a strange cosmic-universal way (my friends think I'm insane for thinking so) and who inspires me just by being herself. Thanks, Ali.
    5) For my life, after all, it could always be worse.
    5)

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Alisa Noble says…
    02/22/2007

    Tried to post this once...will try again.
    Check out the quote for the day at "A Fancy Word for Simple"
    http://fancysimple.blogspot.com/
    Definately something in the air!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Sara Frankl says…
    02/22/2007

    I often don't have enough money for printer ink or some groceries, but I am sooo grateful that so many people can give to the cause even when I can't. It warms my heart that when I feel an inability to make a difference, I see so many warm and generous hearts that pick up my slack.
    My friends little boy told me he was so sad I had to use a cane to walk. I told him I am so GRATEFUL that someone made a cane that fit me so well because it allows me to walk over and give him a hug. It's all about perspective and the every day opportunities to teach a little person how to turn a negative into a positive. Life lessons.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Connie says…
    02/22/2007

    I am grateful for:
    1. wonderful son and husband
    2. modern technology-hot showers, phones, and computers
    3. creative juices-working on turning trash to treasure and sharing through the internet-thanks, Ali
    4. medical world-(preventative technology, allergy testing)
    5. our 5 senses
    6. music-all kinds (some more than others)

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. CharlotteGoodluck says…
    02/22/2007

    I am grateful that this am I read the notes from Heidi re graditude and then saw another article about graditude in the UUFF magazine, then I came to Ali's blog and saw it again...full circle today...I am grateful for all the friends I have! Char

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Paul-ene says…
    02/22/2007

    1. Getting mean comments on my blog ...than finding out it was my sister.
    2. Stubbing my toe
    3. Frumpy hair do
    4. dark roots
    5. Family feuds
    6. and making dorky post on a blog because I know no one will ever read this far down the line.....bbbahhh ha ha ha ha! *giggles* Just kidding a bit/some of those things above are true and some a fabricated...... but non at all that I am thankful for /or grateful for....just the opposite to try to make some laugh. I am grateful for laughter in life.

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. PROLIX from la Normandie says…
    02/22/2007

    I'm grateful because you bring happiness to my life everyday now.
    merci!
    ;o)
    {ThE fReNcH tOuCh}
    http://prolix.typepad.fr

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Deena says…
    02/22/2007

    I am so glad you wrote about this today.
    Today I am grateful for
    --my two beautiful children
    --a wonderful man who is completely in love with me
    --therapy
    --the way my mother raised me
    --my teaching job
    --a close family
    I, too, am a grumpy girl. That will change tomorrow. I will wake up and ask myself what I can do to make my man and my children feel loved. And then I will do it.

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Tenny says…
    02/22/2007

    well, i was feeling that yesterday. and my "word" is thanks. so in my thankfulness journal(a little book i write down things to give thanks for) i wrote "chocolate" and "naps"(for the kids, not me). it as one of those days. but it's over now. we have a fresh blanket of snow, and i'm ready to start fresh today too.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Cheryl says…
    02/22/2007

    I'm grateful that my High School Sweetheart didn't give up on US and that in 13 days we will finally be getting married. It only took 33 years.

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Julie says…
    02/23/2007

    Gratitude is one of my most favorite things. It is so important to be grateful for the gifts that have been given to us. If we look at things in those terms most other stuff that goes wrong in ours lives isn't so overwelming and eventually we discover their purpose. Along with gratitude comes acceptance. We can't change people, places or things. We have no control over anything but ourselves. Once we learn to accept that, we discover that we also have choices. We don't have the power to change things, but we are blessed with the ability to choose what we do with gifts God has blessed us with, and for that I am Grateful.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Rachel Saunders says…
    02/23/2007

    wow so many people this has affected. I am grateful for lots of things but today...
    1. Kids that are playing nicely today (school holidays can be a bit tough)
    2. Scrapping with friends last night first time in ages.(Check my blog for the results)
    3.Friends
    4. Wonderful husband
    5. Blogs that inspire me!!
    I could think of loads more but its short and sweet today!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Aimee says…
    02/23/2007

    Really, truly love this blogging community-such a place to be real and be accepted for who you are...not what we think we should be. love it.
    So I am grateful for:
    1) blogging
    2)real people like Ms. Ali Edwards
    3)grape nuts-especially hot ones
    4)unconditional love from my family
    5)sunny days
    Thanks so much for being real, for embracing life, for inspiring all of us...I have been so reflective of the Get Croppin' weekend and meeting you. You were so open and honest about your deadlines for this new book---that has got to be hard having all those projects over your head.
    Anyway, have a better day.
    Aimee Porco

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. jamieonthegulf says…
    02/23/2007

    Oh my goodness this could NOT have come at a better time--you will never know.
    I am grateful:
    1. that I have a decent job
    2. that I have a healthy, HAPPY child
    3. that I live in Florida close enough to my parents
    4. that I can tap into a community for comeradery (sp?)--even if it is online
    5. that I have a doctor's appointment coming up & I WILL ask for a referral for a counselor
    6. that I have happy memories...even if now isn't totally happy
    7. that I can come to this blog
    I'm printing this so I can keep it on my desk today

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Jeanne says…
    02/23/2007

    *I am grateful my daughter survived another bout of depression and is one step stronger.
    *I am grateful for the bad days that show just how bright life can shine.
    *I am grateful for the knowledge that this too shall pass.
    *I am grateful for the strenght and unity of family.
    *I am grateful for faith.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. jennifer davis says…
    02/23/2007

    I am grateful for:
    1. Inspiring people such as yourself, who not only inspire on a creative level, but on a level of compassion and warmth as well...you truly have a gift Ali Edwards! Some day I hope to meet you...or work for you! ;) hee..hee..
    2. The health of my daughter and husband, we have been so blessed...I want to remember this always.
    3. My steaming cup of hot coffee that's sitting before me right now as I type, and the man that prepares it for me every morning.
    4. The sun that's shining in our window...need it SO much! My mood has definitely been altered without it's presence.
    5. Dora the Explorer... ;)
    May you have a wonderful day and may your efforts not go un-noticed. Know that you are appreciated!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Jennifer says…
    02/23/2007

    Hi Ali...
    I'm taking a class at Big Picture Scrapbooking called Choose Joy, and our assignment this week was to come up with 100 things we're grateful for. It was a challenge, but I did it. Here are just a few of mine:
    1. Having health insurance that pays for an enormous amount of my medication costs.
    2. My husband who loves me more than I will ever know.
    3. My daughter who makes me want to be a better person.
    4. Hot coffee.
    5. My camera.
    6. Naps on the couch.
    7. Scrapbooking and everything it's brought to my life.
    8. Warm brownies.
    9. Blogs.
    10. Kermit the frog. He just makes me happy.
    I loved reading yours and everyone else's gratitude lists. Very cool idea.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Pam says…
    02/23/2007

    Ali,
    From the number of responses, I'd say many of us are in a grumpy slump lately. What I'm grateful for today:
    1. A VERY blue sky...beautiful!
    2. My two very nice and very lovable boys.
    3. My family, friends and warm home.
    4. My tennis fix every Monday!
    5. CKU Detroit in April!
    6. Spring on its way...yeah!
    I have to say, the other night I broke up our usual evening schedule and took my boys out shopping, to dinner and out for ice cream. They both thanked me for taking them out, and I thanked them for helping me have such a good time. Break up your regular schedule and have fun...it helped me!
    Thanks for your honesty and for being so open, Ali. I can't wait to meet you in Detroit...I'll be doing my week soon.
    Take care.

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Kla says…
    02/23/2007

    Hot shower. Comfy sweater. Cup o Joe.
    I need that.
    Are you feeding me your bad vibes??? get them away. I don't like them.
    But I am grateful that we can share the grouchiness through this crazy internet world.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Ronda P says…
    02/23/2007

    I am grateful for
    A big suitcase
    A Caribbean Vacation to take the suitcase on
    A family to enjoy the vacation with
    a blog world that has allowed me to have friends from all over the world...and lastly but certainly not least...YOU, the incredible Ali Edwards for bringing us all together

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Regan says…
    02/23/2007

    Love this idea. I'm grateful for:
    1. My husband...love him, love him, love him...even after 11 years for way to many reasons to have time to list.
    2. Nice weather (finally) and being able to get out and walk and enjoy it with my kids.
    3. Our place...it's not a lot but it's ours and we're thankful to have it.
    4. My oldest son for teaching me sometimes hard lessons daily about life. I've learned more from him and about myself in the short seven years he's been on this earth than I have my entire 32 years. He's so special.
    5. My youngest son for just being the ray of light you need in a day. For him saying "mommy, I love you" when I really need to hear it, and for giving me some reassurance that I'm not a complete failure as a parent!
    6. Being able to create...it keeps me sane and makes me so happy.
    7. My mom...she's always there when I need her.
    8. For getting to have a dad in my life that made me feel special in a way no one else could (miss you, daddy).
    I'm in tears now but feeling pretty darned good and very blessed.

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  24. Amber says…
    02/23/2007

    What you said is so on the dot with me right now. I am down, overwhelmed and in a funk. Too many things to do, not enough of me to do it all. So right now I am grateful for:
    1. Hot coffee with creamer
    2. My kids are healthy
    3. Wonderful friends
    4. A warm home
    5. Ali's blog
    Thanks Ali for always inspiring me, even in your funk you inspire me. You are amazing.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Michelle Blais says…
    02/23/2007

    Ali - Thanks for such a great post!
    I am gratefule for:
    1. The 3 inches of snow that finally fell in eastern CT last night - so beautiful outside
    2. Hot chocolate for the kids after playing in the eagerly awaited snow
    3. Coffee Friday with my closest girlfriends
    4. Awesome Grey's Anatomy last night
    5. That I am having the best hair day all week!
    Ali - check out The Secret - http://www.thesecret.tv/home.html
    It is very inspiring and a must see for everyone!

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