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| Snow enhances the Rocky Mountains, especially Long's Peak. |
A few years ago I came across an article touting the benefits of practicing gratitude.
In addition to feeling more positive, those that take time to notice and reflect upon the things they're thankful for also feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness--and even have stronger immune systems!
Of course, I was pretty sure I already knew what I was grateful for, but just to be sure I decided to write down three things each day. At first I felt a bit silly to acknowledge all the good stuff going on in my life each day. Quickly, though, my lists exploded and I needed to reign it in to "just" my top 10!
It's easy to say thank you for the big things--but, it's all those small everyday things that make my life so rich and wonderfully creative.
And, then I experienced a most divine epiphany:
The better it gets, the better it gets.
What am I grateful for this last week of April? Here are my TOP 12:
1. Handymen who return calls.
2. The words, "Sure, I can help you..."
3. A 50% off the clearance sale with TIME to look, try on, look, try on...
4. RAIN in the forecast!
5. SNOW in the forecast!
6. Summer clothes that still fit after winter.
7. An impromptu date with my darling Ken--just because!
8. Finally learning yoga with beginning DVDs that enable me to fit it into my schedule in the quiet privacy of my living room.
9. The astonishing survival and flourishing of the "lilac stick" I planted with high hopes last spring.
10. Friends who enrich my life, sharing laughter, broader perspectives and uplifting energy.
11. Never again take our quiet street for granted after the neighborhood to the south of us had its streets repaved and all of that traffic was diverted to our street. Ahhh, blessed quiet.
12. The fragrance of lilacs, one of my top favorite flowers.
