Someone on Facebook must have posted a 30 day challenge in which people would express their gratitude daily. I saw a few doing this and I thought why not. So I posted each day, starting on a Sunday and ended 28 days later on the 30th. This was my list.
November 2, 2013
"Gratitude is not
only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others."
"Gratitude is a sign
of maturity...Where there is appreciation: there is also courtesy and concern
for the rights and property of others."
November 3, 2013
Today,
I looked out the window and saw that the sun had come to visit. This was a
pleasant surprise because it was snowing earlier that morning. Don't worry, the
snow didn't stick to the ground, so driving was okay. That is my gratitude
quote for today.
November 4, 2013
As
I was getting ready this morning at work, I thought briefly of things I didn’t
have growing up or what I don’t have now. But instead of being depressed, I
realized how blessed I was. My parents struggled to make ends meet, but never
did or my siblings felt deprived or less than others because Santa didn’t bring
us much for Christmas. I live in a economically diverse ward (LDS neighborhood
congregation) that also has different kinds of
families. But I don’t feel like an outsider because I make less than I did 10
years ago or because I don’t have children. My parents taught by example – They
didn’t act like have-nots and that helped me realized I am blessed. I have a
roof over my head, I have a job. I have friends; I have family. I am blessed
and for that I am grateful
November 5, 2013
one
of the things I like best about the time change; enjoying the sun set while I
am still on campus
It's the 1st Tuesday of November, so I am grateful to be able
to vote. (It was a city election)
November 6, 2013
Today
is a friend's birthday, who has moved on. I miss her, but hey, she is in a
better place now; not suffering, but watching over loved ones. I am grateful for
getting to know her better after we both left the insurance company we worked
for. I am grateful for that second chance. She really was a good and kind
person.
November 7, 2013
so
grateful for those who have forgiven me for being a human. It is such a healing
process for me to know there are second chances.
November 8, 2013
Tonight
I am grateful for weekends. We all need a break from work.
November 9, 2013
Grateful
for the kindness of others.
November 10, 2013
I
am grateful for the diversity in my extended family. I have been taught
tolerance, understanding and acceptance.
"We must find time
to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives."
November 11, 2013
Thanks
to all the vets! That includes Joe.
I forgot to thank one vet and that is my dad. He
served in Alaska
during World War II. Years ago, his sister, Isabelle sent his letters to me. I
didn't learn much of what went on in Alaska,
but it was nice to read his letters. As a result of serving in cold Alaska, my
dad lost his hearing. He taught me compassion. Thank you, Hyrum Lafayette
Jackson for serving our country and for the sacrifices you made.
November 12, 2013
Tonight
I went to the church to help tie some fleece blankets for the Granite
Foundation with some other women in my ward. One of the blankets I tied was a
purple print fleece. It reminded me of my nieces. Someone in their ward or
stake did a Sub for Santa one year for them. And then I remember someone
leaving a box of food at our door. All we knew that it was anonymous neighbor
because by the time we answer the door, the person was gone. I am glad for
those serve their fellow man because as it says in the scriptures when you
serve others, you serve God.
November 13, 2013
Grateful
for little Sister Pugh. She isn't afraid to say what needs to be said or do
what is needed.
November 14, 2013
I'm
thankful for the example my parents set for me. Live simply, give and be
content with what I have.
Today I was able to notice the clouds and sun setting as I
walked to the bus. The haze has blocked the view that last 2 days. So grateful
for clear colorful skies.
November 15, 2013
I
am thankful for sunsets and sunrise. I am reminded to see the beauty in life
and to take the time to pause.
I'm grateful for music. It has comforted me; has been an
inspiration. It has offered me smiles and opportunities to ponder.
November 16, 2013
"Because
I've Been Given Much" is one of my favorite hymns. I am reminded of how
blessed I am and as the hymn says "I too must give". In July 1993,
Jay and I were evacuated from our apartment complex because heavy rains leaking
through some roofs that were under construction. My friend, Jewel Pugh let us
stay with her family until we found another place to live, despite that her
kitchen was being remodeled. Because of that act of kindness, I found the need
to pay it forward. Her children, including Crystal who was a year away from
making her earthly debut at the time of my homelessness, got quite a few Happy
Meals from McDonalds and dinners at Cafe Rio and Panda Express. But I also
found myself donating to food drive, giving to Red Cross and Road Home. When I started
working at the University of
Utah, I
noticed that the Campus Store (aka Book Store) did a Utah Food Bank drive. So
every time, I visit Ralph (or one of his co-workers) during November I fill out
a red & white donation post card. I usually write someone's else name. Like
a co-worker who is on maternity leave and even got a former U.S.
president yesterday. (Someone else used "George Clooney"). It is
something I have to do because others have taken care of me when I needed it.
November 17, 2013
I
can't really think of one single thing that I can put in words that I am
grateful for today. So I will just post that I am thankful for what I have,
which is a lot when it gets right down to it.
November 18, 2013
When
I got off the bus one morning last week, a woman asked where the other person
was. I said I hadn't seen her all week. She then mentioned that other person
seemed so sad all the time. She did mention that life elsewhere can be worse
than what her life is. I said that is so true. As we went our separate ways, I
realized I was grateful for gratitude and that I was able to portray a positive
attitude. My mother showed me by her quiet example
to focus on what I had and not what I didn't have. I don't know why the other
person seldom smiles; I felt sad that her countenance gives people the wrong
impression. Like her, I don't how my countenance affects others, but I am glad
that others notice a cheerful outlook even when I'm not fully awake. I think
that having a grateful attitude makes a difference. And this morning as I got my breakfast at the Union. When I saw the other person, she smiled back.
Maybe she is just as asleep as me or maybe she just needs a smile every now and
then.
I like the gratitude posts I see on Facebook. It is inspiring
and uplifting. Thanks to whoever started it.
"In ordinary life we
hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is
only with gratitude that life becomes rich."
"You pray in your
distress and in your need; would that you might pray also in the fullness of
your joy and in your days of abundance."
Woke up, couldn't find my
other shoe until the last moment. Made it to the bus stop in time. Got on the
bus and it tried to die. But after 10 minutes, the driver revived it. While I
sat on the bus with others, I asked myself if it would be a bad day. Then I
remember the cliche "Never judge a day by the morning." The alarm
kept going off on the bus, indicating the bus still had issues as it continued
on the route. Thanks to the freeway portion on the route, I got to campus at 7:30. I still had time to get breakfast at the Union.
Despite the rough start, my day was okay. So glad I had that cliche to set me
straight. "Never judge a day by the morning." — feeling good.
I like the gratitude posts I see on Facebook. It is inspiring
and uplifting. Thanks to whoever started it.
November 19, 2013
I'm
so lucky. I have a tendency to spoil my nieces and nephews and it has gotten
worse as I aged. But despite it all, Tracina has never shown an attitude
because I gave more to her daughters or brothers than her. I think she realizes
that my income increased after I finished college. Thanks, Tracina for being
understanding and not judging me.
November 20, 2013
I'm
thankful for Popcorn Wednesday!
November 21, 2013
Thankful
for a warm home tonight.
I am thankful I got home safely tonight. The route I took
home tonight goes past the mouth of Parleys Canyon
where the wind likes to get a bit nasty at times. It was blowing pretty hard
while I was waiting for the bus, so I am glad the wind didn't run the bus off the
road in that area.
November 22, 2013
I'm
grateful for gentlemen and tender mercies. I got on Trax and the seats
disappeared quickly. Because I have poor sense of balance, I need to sit or
stand against a wall when in a moving vehicle or elevator. As I got to a spot
to stand, a middle aged man tapped me and offered me his seat. Then when we got
to Courthouse stop, another man offered his seat to an older woman who had just
got on. Yes, women, there are still gentlemen in the world.
November 23, 2013
Grateful for a warm bed.
And I forgot the blankets that my sisters gave me and the
quilt my mom made me.
November 24, 2013
I'm
grateful for the little miracles that happen daily and God hears the desires of
my heart.
Usually on a Sunday morning, I pack lotion in
my scripture bag when I go to church. But because it was Stake Conference, I
took my iPad. It has another set of scriptures, a hymn book and a note app. My
iPad bag had just enough room for my cellphone, keys and a small package of
tissues. Before the meeting started, I had to visit the ladies' room. As I
washed hands, I noticed they seem dry. I realized that by washing again, my
hands would be more dry. I thought I would have to wear my gloves to combat the
comfortableness. But I never got my gloves out of my coat pocket. As the
meeting was ending two hours later, I realized my hands did not feel dry. It
was a small miracle and I realized again that God does hear the desires of our
hearts.
November 25, 2013
Grateful
for my family who has a sense of humor. Blame it my parents and those who are
related to them. Laughter is a good thing.
"Acknowledging the
good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all
abundance."
Grateful for the times that my brother can be sane, understanding
and whatever else a normal person is like. I never know what to expect when he
calls or when I visit, but glad when he can be kind.
November 27, 2013
So
glad for UTA. Thanks to them, I got to see the eye doc, pay a short visit to
the vampire and even shopped at Walgreen's for toothbrushes and toothpaste.
(Vampire was at lunch when I arrived to have some lab work done)
November 28, 2013 “There
are none so impoverished as those who do not acknowledge the abundance of their
lives.” Richard Paul Evans, A Winter Dream
What are you thankful for? Instead of the usual status
question, this is the question that Facebook posed today. I am grateful that my
brothers and I had a pleasant visit with my brother in Idaho.
Dinner wasn't much, but it was last minute shopping. Having fish fillet from
the frozen food section of Walmart is easy to fix. We were able to leave before
the sun disappeared, so we got in a short visit with Mom. Before we got to the
Idaho-Utah border, I got a picture of the sun setting. The Magic Valley has
some of the best sunsets. And I am glad we got back before bedtime. Life is
good.
And I am thankful that McDonald's was opened for breakfast
on Thanksgiving. It was such a nice little surprise. So glad for little
surprises.
"Got no checkbooks,
got no banks. Still I'd like to express my thanks - I've got the sun in the
mornin' and the moon at night."
November 29, 2013
I
am thankful for days off with pay. There are times when I need a guilt-free
rest from the stress of being employed.
"You could ask
yourself, 'How did God Bless me today?' If you do that long enough and with
faith, you will find yourself remembering blessings. And sometimes you will
have gifts brought to your mind which you failed to notice during the day, but which you will then know
were a touch of God’s hand in life.”
November 30, 2013
Grateful
for spare change that is not in my purse anymore. McDonald's Ronald McDonald
House Charities got all of it on Thursday, except for a dime. Now McDonald's
Kleenex box size boxes have that dime and whatever I got since Thursday. Spare
change does have it causes
Hey! That was a good exercise you undertook. It turned out well. A lot of good things were recognized in your posts.
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