Taking time to give thanks or count your blessings makes you feel more grateful and satisfied with life.  I find this is especially helpful on days that were just so-so.  When I take a moment to reflect on all of the things that went right, I gain a much more positive perspective. 

     Normally, I am not a person who “hates Mondays,” but lately they have been hard.  Since I am teaching summer school, when I start the week, I feel like I am jumping on a very fast roller coaster with limited time to toss out the information and gather what comes back (essays) before sending them out again (graded).  That probably didn’t make a lot of sense to anyone who doesn’t teach, so I will just share my little gratitude list for June 29, 2009.  One more note, I got started keeping a Gratitude Journal after reading Sarah Ban Breachnacht’s Simple Abundance many years back.  The habit stuck and I save them all.  It’s fun to look back on this date last year and see what was on my gratidude list.

June 29, 2009

• Waking up with my loving husband
• The clawfoot tub & bubble baths
• Fresh coffee
• Summery dresses and sandals
• That God is keeping my car running–217,000 miles & still going!
• Pleasant co-workers
• My students–they are a likable bunch even on a Monday morning.
• Air conditioning!
• Getting all of my students’ papers graded and giving good feedback.
• All of the people who called to check on me after my little health episode on Saturday.
• 3/4 sleeved sweaters
• ceiling fans
• Diet 7-up
• Cold water
• Seeing some of my bulbs bloom
• Fourth of July weekend coming!

     I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea.  I hope my little list inspires you to make one of your own.  Blessings to you on a Monday night.