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. slowJudyj says…
    02/22/2007

    Ali, how can you possibly get through all these comments each day??//
    maybe Simon would like some CROCS?!!?!?
    Dianne & I went to Paper Source today in Georgetown..........great stuff! forgot our cameras! Spent $$$$$! :))
    slowJudy

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Rachel G. says…
    02/22/2007

    YOU

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Marty says…
    02/22/2007

    Most of the things I am thankful for cannot be bought:
    1. love from my husband, my grown-up kids, and a newly adopted 2 1/2 yr old son, who said "I love Mama" for the first time last night after prayers
    2. a hobby I love - scrapping - though I do spend quite a bit on that and am really looking forward to CKU Detroit
    3. the power of prayer, loving support and hope - as we recently found out the baby our daughter is carrying has anencephaly.
    4. living in a free nation, being able to worship without fear
    5. life friends
    6. this blog that challenges me to think outside the box - thanks, Ali
    and last but not least
    7. miracles

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Rochelle says…
    02/22/2007

    1. good doctors and antibiotics to help me battle pneumonia
    2. snow- for playing in and making snowmen(while mom sleeps)
    3. my kids for not letting me totally grouchy while i'm sick
    4. my husband for taking those same kids away while I get some much needed rest.
    By the way, Oprah featured an interesting sounding book on her show called The Secret, I have yet to read it but the basic idea is what you put out into the world is what will be returned to you. I have my copy ordered from Amazon and am looking forward to reading it.
    Rochelle

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  5. Diane says…
    02/22/2007

    I am grateful for...
    -working marital issues out so we can remain husband and wife.
    -my sister's recent bout with breast cancer having a healthy ending
    -my sweet dog Kippy and my sweet cat Kisses
    -opportunities
    -my local crafty shop Colorful Creations
    -Ali, for you and all you share with this community
    -a chance of snow tonight
    -ice cream!
    Peace, Diane from Cape Cod

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  6. Alli says…
    02/22/2007

    1) easy whip butter icing
    2) the carpenter coming to finish my scraproom today
    3) my patient husband
    4) 4 day shipping from twopeas to Australia yippeeeeeeeeeee
    5) my childs ability to communicate with me
    6) the 26 children coming to Alec's party, they will make his day
    7) my new cake tin
    8) the internet for helping me find the wicked chocolate fudge cake for Alec's race track cake
    9) Thomas the tank engine for helping Alec through the day
    10) blogs

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  7. mariah says…
    02/22/2007

    1. I am thankful for Abbott, they make the IV machines that pump the vitamins and iv fluids that keep me alive. Without them, I couldnt survive.
    2. I am thankful for my medical insurance. I only wish everyone had medical coverage so they too could be thankful for it and not worry about paying for their child to see a doctor.
    3. I am thankful for the medical professionals who keep me thriving and living my life to the fullest.
    4. I am thankful for the Oley Foundation( www.oley.org). They provide the emotional support and friendship that is so imporant when living with a chronic illness.
    5. Refrigerators... they allow me to keep my medications cold.
    6. The families and children I care for, they invite me into their home and welcome me as part of the family.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Gina says…
    02/22/2007

    Ali Edwards. Whenever I mention your name my mother says, "You LOVE her!"
    "Cocoa Daisy's kit this month is Ali Edwards' favorite things." "You LOVE her!"
    "I just got a new book by Ali Edwards." "You LOVE her!"
    "I just read this great quote on Ali Edwards' blog." "You LOVE her!"
    And she's right...I don't know you, but I love everything that I know! Thank you for you.
    And you know what? Sometimes we go into a funk, and sometimes we just have to BE there. We might not understand it in the moment, but sometimes a funk is the labor of something perfect and beautiful.
    Just BE.

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  9. Nadia says…
    02/22/2007

    Hi Ali,
    Gratitude? I was thinking about starting a gratitude journal and once a day just jotting down what I was grateful for. Here is my list for today:
    1. I am grateful that someone, anyone gave you the motivation to get out of the funk.
    2. I am grateful that my boy hugged me today and loved the shirt I bought him so much he put it on right away. He's 16!
    3. I am grateful that the puppy who was hit by a car last night at run club is okay and just has some bruises. I hope someone claims him soon.
    4. I am grateful that I get to go to ARTistry and spend a day learning and playing right along with you. Checking out supply lists today!
    5. I am grateful that I have family and friends who support me no matter what.
    That was fun. Thanks Ali and tell Simon and Chris to give you some hugs from me. Take care!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Kelley Popp says…
    02/22/2007

    thanks Ali for the reminder!!
    I am grateful for:
    -my health
    -my families health
    -that I can take my neck brace off now for most of the day-I am recovering from cervical spine and disc fusion.
    -the success of our business
    -my son and the new things he teaches me daily
    -my husband, soulmate and business partner.
    I could go on. Thanks for the reminder.

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

    Just emailed you a thank-you, then came to check the blog! lol Totally sympathize with the blahs, though. Have a good day.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Mary Beth says…
    02/22/2007

    Your family has had some BIG CHANGES in the last year, the election is done, your business is revving up even more.......this is a BIG deal to your system.
    I say....WALLOW in the grumpiness until you are sick of yourself and then just gas-dust it away!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Molly Irwin says…
    02/22/2007

    right now, i am grateful for:
    1)conan o'brien: makes me laugh out loud, even though i am tired in the am
    2)internet - connectivity to outside world
    3)easy quesadilla & rice dinner
    4)church last night. so much to think about this season.
    5)the smell of marty's soft little hair after his nap
    6)kids have school tomorrow = 2.5 quiet hours!
    how can you really read all of these posts?

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Ashley Schultz says…
    02/22/2007

    Thanks for this reminder. I think I will make a similar list on my blog.

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Kelly Bryan says…
    02/22/2007

    Hang in there, girl.
    I can definitely relate. Being a mom, a wife, and a woman is not easy. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I am so incredibly lucky for these things. Knowing you're lucky and being grateful doesn't always make it any easier, though. I'm just at a point now where I know there will be times when I am down and it is OK. The truth is that it is hard to be a woman...hard to be a wife, a mom and a person with a career to attend to. There is no rational explanation for feeling down, but I've found that the more women I talk to about it, the more people I find who can relate...who have felt similar emotions. You're definitely not alone.
    Try to take some time for yourself, doing something that will nurture your soul. I find that sometimes that's the only thing that helps.
    And don't forget that despite it all, no matter how down or grumpy you may feel, you have lots of people in your corner. You've touched a lot of lives - encouraged us all to see the joy and value in the everyday moments. It takes a lot of courage and honesty to admit that valuing those moments includes the good AND the bad. We are all entitled to our moments of sadness or depression. Without them we wouldn't be able to fully understand or appreicate the moments of joy.
    Hang in there...remember that you're not alone and that lots of positive thoughts are coming your way.

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  16. Kelly Bryan says…
    02/22/2007

    and as for me, I'm grateful for...
    -Falling asleep with my husband's hand on my swollen belly and taking such joy in knowing that our baby girl is going to have an amazing dad.
    -My girlfriends...they make it impossible for me to ever feel alone.
    -The Office... that show makes me laugh out loud when I need it most.
    -A belief that good changes are coming in this country.
    -The desire to contribute something meaningful to the world, no matter how small.

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  17. Alexandra says…
    02/22/2007

    Hey Ali,
    How timely, I have been having a lousy day myself.
    Gratitude... sometimes it's hard to remember all that we have when certain things are out of alignment. I just started reading 'The Secret' and gratitude is an integral part of it - 'nothing new can come to you without gratitude'.
    So, here are a few things that I am thankful for...
    1. my twins are healthy and able bodied - born 3 months premature weighing 3 lbs 5 oz and 2 lbs 11 oz we consider this somewhat of a miracle.
    2. a warm and comfy home
    3. running water - makes dishes, showers, baths and laundry so much easier than it was for my grandmother and she had 16 kids!
    4. the opportunity to prepare and eat healthy food.
    5. my parents - always so supportive
    6. yoga - I should do it more - it feels so good
    7. creativitiy and imagination - it's fun to play
    8. you, Ali - your blog and your newsletter are always real and uplifting at the same time.
    and, on a lighter note...
    9. chai tea and chocolate - two of my weaknesses
    10. magazines - Domino, Body and Soul, Creating Keepsakes, WonderTime, Martha - and many more.
    Hope your soul is filled up once again with all the positive vibes we're sending you, Ali - chin up!!
    Best wishes,
    Alexandra

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  18. Barbara says…
    02/22/2007

    1) My husband- who loved me enough to get married, twice
    2) That I can go to school- even though it seems like it's taking me forever to get through my undergrad, I need to quit complaining, buckle down and be glad I have the opportunity at all
    3) Friends and family- wouldn't this be a lonely life without them?
    4) That my car still works- even though it's not super cute, I'm so glad I have it!
    5) The hint of spring in the air
    And for you, Miss Ali!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Jen M. says…
    02/22/2007

    You caught me in a grumpy phase too (over a week now). What am I grateful for? The times when I'm not grumpy -- I hate feeling like this. The sunshine that's pouring in my door -- a welcome change from the rain. A hot cup of tea -- really, there's nothing that warms me more, inside and out. My wonderful now-7-year-old son who has befriended a boy in his class with a brain injury and can't wait for him to come to his birthday party. And you, for giving me the push to get out of the grumps. Hope you get to enjoy some of this sunshine in your day too -- it's wonderful!

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. noell says…
    02/22/2007

    1. Friends for my kids to play with (they are with friends right now).
    2. A husband who has an awesome sense of humor.
    3. We get to go out with our best friends Saturday night to celebrate a birthday.
    4. Babysitters for our kids when we go out of town next Month.
    5. A major transformation in my overall scrapbooking over the last year thanks to CK and 2peas.

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Aimee says…
    02/22/2007

    1. I am so very grateful that my husband did not go completely blind when he had a stroke in his eye last month (with his condition it could have just as easily been both eyes) .
    2. I am so grateful that he that he survived the open heart surgery he needed to replace his aortic valve.
    3. I'm grateful for Dr. Burk at the Cincinnati Eye Institute . He is BRILLIANT, and if it weren't for his amazing talent , knowledge, and skill , we would never have found out why Eric lost vision in his right eye.
    4. I am grateful for Dr. Russell Vester, who performed Eric's surgery and changed his whole schedule, several times, to accomodate Eric's needs.
    5. I am grateful for the wonderful Drs and nurses at the Greater Cincinnati Cardiac Consultants- especially Becky and Dr. Whang- who made it possible for Eric to have such an awesome surgeon, and expedited the whole process.
    6. I am grateful for the most amazing hospital in Cincy- The Christ Hospital, and all of the great nurses who helped us get through this ordeal. (Especially Laura, Gary, Mike, Becky, Mary, Pam, Courtney, Krista, and Rebecca- they are the most awesome nurses EVER!)
    7. I am also so very grateful for my parents, my brother and sister and law, Eric's aunts and uncles, and all of the family members and friends who helped us through this difficult time, we would never have been able to do this by ourselves.
    8. I am grateful for my baby, always.
    9. I am grateful that when I asked my husband to give me his word that he would live through his surgery, he kept his promise.

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  22. Robin says…
    02/22/2007

    6 things I am grateful for right now....
    1) You---it's fun to see where you are in the world today, knowing that you are a real person and it inspires me.
    2)PEPSI-enough said
    3)My Girlfriend's Kitchen/And the ABC15 deal that got me half off---dinners almost done.
    4)The sunshine today that is allowing Boy A and Boy B to play outside right now.
    5)The Library--Because I have another book to read
    6)It's Thursday---GREY'S ANATOMY NIGHT.
    Ali---Everyone gets moody and down, some days it is worse than others. I do this grateful excercise everytime I write in my journal...because I need a reminder that life is good. I hope tomorrow your world is brighter than today.
    Robin

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  23. Sharyn (Torm) says…
    02/22/2007

    sounds like you need a little elmo. ;)
    hang in there!

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  24. Jennifer says…
    02/22/2007

    I am thankful for:
    1. Being able to read your blog everyday and get inspiration.
    2. Knowing that I am not the only one in a funk. (I'm serious.)
    3. My cute little nephew. He brings so much joy into my life.
    4. My MP3 player
    5. Beating my hubby in Boggle.

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  25. Kimberly L.C. says…
    02/22/2007

    Wow... a lot of us in funks lately. Fortunately my dear, sweet DH pointed out in mid-December that my funk was more severe than he thought it should be and I was acutally diagnosed with depression. I'm getting help now, but it was nice to have a trained professional tell me I wasn't crazy and my husband was right... this wasn't normal for me. I'm not saying you're depressed, but just sharing my experience.
    I am grateful for:
    1. My wonderful DH... his love and devotion to me and his wonderful head and heart!
    2. My family, especially my mom and all her love and support.
    3. Dove dark chocolate hearts
    4. You and the things you create and write. They always seem to make my day brighter.

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