Gratitude

[jj]

Frame, not at, all

I'd love for this to be something everyone comments on, I want everyone to add to it as often as they'd like, it's not a post for me but for everyone. I think its uplifting to think of things to be grateful for, and it's uplifting to see what other people are grateful for. Andd I think it's important to share here what we need to about what is getting us down and have the support for that, but I think equally it's important to share the positive and add that light to our lives too. So add away Also I like that quote Frame, I'm not of any faith but I'd say I'm spiritual, and I've read/like many quotes from C. S. Lewis. I like the one "you don't have a soul, you are a soul. you have a body".

I've been grateful today for my brother. I can learn a lot from him and I've been grateful to have the chance to have a good chat with him, which is something we don't do very often. I'm also grateful for this chocolate milkshake I just made... which is really really yummy. haha...

[jj]

Oh and Frame, in terms of who or what you are being thankful/grateful towards... I kind of just think of it as being appreciative.. Just recognising things, as opposed to thanking someone or something for them.

I guess it depends what the thing is that you're thinking of though. If you're religious though maybe you could direct it towards your deity, or just the universe, or life. I don't really direct it at anything, I just think about it and recognise things I can appreciate/ be thankful for. Whatever feels nice for you

[Frame]

OK, I got one. Hear me out.

I little while ago I commented on how depression, is in more than just my opinion, an evolutionary survival function. Of course too much of a good thing, even depression (sarcasm here), can be bad for you.

But as my depression has deepened I've noticed I'm actually sleeping better. Why? Now, you could say that's all I want to do; but spending all your time in bed doesn't help you sleep better. What has happened is things I used to like don't feel good any more. I used to be up half the night, distracted by one thought after another flying through my brain. I finally got to sleep at all odd hours of the night, got up half rested, jittery, and mistake prone. These days life's pleasures just don't keep me awake any more. I go to bed and sleep pretty much the same time every night. I wake up, ready to get up almost the same time every day.

And while that sounds terrifically boring as I type it in, that is also something I've wanted, attempted for all my life. And depression has a way of robbing even my well rested mind of it's sensibilities. So perhaps, should I some day leave all this financial strife, chaos, and depression behind then perhaps I'll loose my steady circadian rhythm as well.

But then again, perhaps I'll have gained a discipline that won't fail me; that I can rely on for ever. Maybe things will get better and I'll sleep even better still.

[Frame]

I'm grateful that I still have my health.
Yesterday, I too a 20 mile bicycle ride. I should be so grateful I can do this. It used to be what brought me joy. Yet I rise this morning and the plumbing is leaking, I can't pay mortgage, like death by a thousand cut there are a million problems that I can't wrap my head around; that are only my responsibility.

But in this cool calm peaceful morning I'm grateful my body is still whole.
No matter who I tell, whatever I share, I still feel alone. Yea OK, my back hurts and it still feels like someones trying to open an umbrella in my chest. But I have the cool calm morning. And logically, no matter how alone I feel, there are people around me wishing me well.

I'm grateful I can express myself.
Even if my head seems to ring with the dull thud of a wooden hammer on a leaden bell and apparently, no matter how hard I think, I cant' think my way out of this. I still feel; I can still sense the world around me. This weekend a friend told me I was hyper-sensitive, that I'm an artist, it's the way I experience the world. It's not fun lately. It's scary and it's filled with failure. But I guess it's a job and somebody's got to do it. I hope some day it has some meaning.

So I guess I'm grateful that I'm still me.
As much as my world is falling apart, there are a few parts of me that are still together.
And I'm grateful there are people who listen.

[Frame]

I live in an American East Coast City. Most of my acquaintances would pity me for not owning a car. In America, owning a car is sort of a right of adulthood. And sure, it gives me the freedom to jump in get hundreds of miles away on a whim. But so does renting one.

I'm an obsessive shutter bug and every moment, the light is changing in the most beautiful ways. As I walk or bike through the city, I get to see and capture the world in ways I never could were I consigned to travel the world from parking space to parking space sealed in plastic, glass, and steel.

It's a wonderful opportunity. For this I am grateful.

[karolanne]

I'm grateful for my niece. I'm grateful to have the best chihuahuas ever. I'm grateful for the relation I have with my mother now, even if I have lot of psychological issues because of her. I'm grateful for my job.

I'm grateful for a LOT of things. I really can't say them all.

Even if I wake up everyday with suicidal thoughs and that I have tons of issues in life, I'm grateful for my life.

[Frame]

I'm so pleased with your post Karolanne, because that's it; even with the pain, even for the pain we can, we should (I believe) be grateful. It's good for us to be grateful. Giving thanks, like giving forgiveness, is a gift we give ourselves. And it's a gift we can afford.

[karolanne]

Oh, and I forget something very very important. I'm grateful that duct tape does exist. You can litterally do EVERYTHING with duct tape. LOL

I just wanted to make you laugh folks|

[4EverMe]

Great idea jj ,
If only I'd seen this thread before! Thank you for beginning this thread on gratitude, because I have a lot I'm grateful for. It is also not something I remain silent about when I pray. So, first and foremost, I am grateful to and for God for His love, mercy, forgiveness and kindness. Additionally, I'm thankful for His protection over myself and those I love...and for answered prayers...for His beautiful creations scattered throughout the universe and beyond...for His breathtaking creations I've not yet laid eyes on.
I'll be back with more, and I'm grateful for you jj for this positive idea.

[4EverMe]

UGH! I typed up a lengthy list of things I'm grateful for, but it didn't post! Disheartening. Until later today, though, I'll just say I'm thankful to live far from my last neighbor. Finally some piece of mind.

[4EverMe]

I'm grateful for a good nights rest, and for my morning coffee. Although I haven't quite figured this gadget out, I'm thankful I own this cellphone. Without it, I wouldn't have adequate contact with my loved ones, (whom I'm VERY grateful for) and with those of you I've befriended here.
When I survey my home, I realize I have a lot of added extras-- things I don't need to survive. Although my own country would consider me poor, because I live on SSI, there are people in third world countries who, by comparison, would swear I live like a queen. I am not merely grateful for what sustains me, but for all I have in addition! In looking at it this way, I see I am rich.
There was a time, when slung over my shoulder hung the weight of everything I owned. When truly homeless, you learn too quickly that nothing should be taken for granted! I recall even being happy to have such a huge bag, because it held more...Maybe the weight of it contributed to my back problems later on. IDK. But I make it a point to appreciate what and who I have. (even when I find myself cussing at the world) LOL.

[fallen]

i am grateful for oxygen.

[Frame]

Breath; deeply, slowly, and through your nose.

[4EverMe]

Grateful I am for those few souls who go out of their way to help others in need--No strings attached! (people like my new neighbors)
I'm also thankful for clean clothes, towels and bedding. Today was laundry day.

[fallen]

i am grateful for double shot cappuccinos with full fat milk.