In an Instagram post earlier this week, I mentioned a Forbes article about the scientifically proven benefits of gratitude.
Among other things, gratitude improves your mental and physical health, enhances empathy, reduces aggression, and improves your sleep.
All this for the low, low price of $0!
Gratitude is such a bargain. And maybe because it’s free, we tend to ignore it, and we look to other things to improve our health and help us sleep better.
(If someone could bottle gratitude and sell it as a supplement, they could make so much money!)
Like I often say, gratitude is not the default for most of us, so to get its benefits, we have to practice gratefulness.
Luckily, the more we practice gratitude, the easier it becomes. The practice of gratefulness actually changes your brain by strengthening the neural pathways that help you see the things that are going well in your life.
(See this University of Pennsylvania article on the neuroscience of gratitude.)
And all of that is just a long introduction to the weekly gratitude exercise we’ve been doing here. 
I’ll make a list here and you can join me by making a list in the comments.
I am thankful:
that COVID metrics are holding steady in my area.
Mostly, things have been on an encouraging trend here, which I know is not true in most of America right now.
It’s hard not to feel nervous that we will soon join the states whose numbers are increasing, but at least for the moment, things are not a dumpster fire here.
that Zoe’s teeth are feeling better.
She’s getting used to her braces, and she’s been able to eat more regular foods now. Whew!
that driving with Sonia is going well.
We’ve got 7 hours done already, and she can now drive to some actual places, not just in neighborhoods.
So, we’ve been running some errands in conjunction with her driving practice (like dropping books at the library).
for Lisey’s job.
She’s getting plenty of hours now, which is very good for her college savings plans.
She works at a drive-thru oil change place, which is a good situation for social distancing.
I often think it’s such a mercy that she switched from bar-backing to auto maintenance before the pandemic. It would be super difficult to get hours bar-backing right now, and exposure risk would be much worse too.
for air conditioning.
Central air conditioning is one of my favorite things. I am so, so grateful I wasn’t born in an era that required sleeping in hot, sticky air.
for cool showers.
So, so good after a summer workout.
for iced coffee. And smoothies.
Also very good after summer exercise.
for watermelon. And for my silicone watermelon cover.
I seriously, seriously love this silicone lid (I have the 10 inch one.)
My family would tell you that I say that pretty much every time I use it. It is so convenient for covering half a watermelon for storage in the fridge.
that we get to do Sonia’s allergy shots every 3 weeks now.
We just finished our year of every-two-weeks shots, so now we move on to once every three weeks for a year, and then once every four weeks for a year.
This is a huge improvement over the twice a week shots we started with 2.5 years ago.
that Sonia can eat butter and heavy cream.
Not gonna lie; it’s frustrating to not be able to feed her sour cream, cheese, yogurt, and milk, but boy, it sure is nice that she can handle butter and cream.
I am especially grateful about her being able eat butter because a lot of butter substitutes are not that delicious.
that Sonia is not allergic to coconut.
She is allergic to almost every nuts and seed, which means a lot of dairy alternatives are off the table. But mercifully, coconut products do not bother her.
And the coconut milk that comes in a carton works pretty well as a milk substitute in a lot of recipes.
that I have the money to pay my tax bills.
I am in a discouraging place of playing catch up because my estimated tax payments last year did not come close to covering my tax liability for my blog income. So, I had a big tax bill in April, and I now have pretty big (to me!) estimated tax payments to make.
And those, sadly, start to come due at tax filing time. A perfect storm.
I know it won’t be this way forever, though. Things will start to improve after July, and hopefully next April, this will pay off and I will not owe a bunch of money to the IRS.
For now, I can just be grateful that there is money to make these estimated tax payments.
that in-network health services are free for the rest of 2020.
We met our in-network out of pocket maximum, so anything in-network costs $0 for the next six months.
Which means the PT I am starting next week for my neck issues will be free!
A Hendricks says
I’m forever thankful that being grateful is my default. Reading your blogs as well as watching YouTube videos from other wonderful creators is a constant source of help and joy. A million thank yous Kristen.
Diane C says
This ties two of your recent posts together. We have rental properties in a Desert community, about eight hours from home. There were repairs that couldn’t be put off. We didn’t want to outsource, because if not done/inspected correctly, they could have led to bigger, more expensive problems. Off we went, with tools, trepidation, masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. (We have our own little guest house, so we have a safe place to stay.)
The HOA is brutally strict there. I noticed that there was a lot of sand covering the rock mound “island” under the big shade tree in the front yard. Yes, that’s a “violation”, grrr. The usual solution is to buy more rocks and pile them on top, or pay the gardener to do it, but I didn’t like either choice. I was dreading what either option was going to cost. I decided that moving the rocks, letting the sand settle, then putting the rocks back was the way to go, but I didn’t want to do it [insert whiny tone here].
The roots of the same tree had lifted, and finally broken the irrigation pipes. It happened while we were there, so it was a “bonus” repair for DH. He was able to make all the necessary repairs for just the cost of materials. This saved wasted water, and doing the repair immediately meant no plants were lost.
As he was doing the repair, I reluctantly decided to test my rock theory. Once I figured out that it worked, I really got into it. The rocks look like multi-colored potatoes, so I started joking that I was making a “rock salad”. I worked around the tree section by section, so grateful that at least I was in the shade. When I finished, it looked so much better, which made my heart surprisingly happy.
Best of all, it only took an hour and cost zero dollars, my favorite price. For the rest of our stay, it gave me a little thrill to see the results of my handiwork. Gratitude and not procrastinating for the win!
Kristen says
Oh, I know exactly what you mean about not wanting to start on a task. But then once you get started, it’s really not so bad.
Good job with your rock project!
Isa says
* my health and the family health
* Both hubby and I having good paying and steady jobs, with nice colleagues
* Books!!!! And public library
* A nice house in a quiet neighborhood, with AC
* My kids having friends
* plenty of food, everywhere around me
* Reliable car
* a good doctor, a good therapist
* My king size bed!
* Seeing the family again for the first time since Covid
* A good bicycle to bring me to work
* Etc!!!!!
April says
Thank you for sharing such positivity every week. Don’t know that we’ve ever needed it more.
I know you sometimes like reader questions for your posts so I’m wondering if you could share more about your allergy experience with Sonia. I get the impression this wasn’t preceded by an emergency but that the issue became evident over time. If you aren’t comfortable sharing, I understand the need for discretion and privacy.
On a more related topic, I am grateful for my back porch solitude (when needed), podcasts for my walks, friends who just fill me with joy and nice breezes on stiflingly hot days (a particular treat in the south this time of year).
Corrine says
Thank you for this post!
1. I’m grateful that I have a job that has allowed me to work from home most days since March
2. That if layoffs happen, we will be fine financially due to our frugality and saving
3. That I have found the deliciousness of fresh peppermint tea
4. My house is clean prior to the long weekend!
Dianna says
I keep a 10,000 Gratitudes Journal and I totally agree with your statements about what that does for our lives. Today I am most grateful that all of my family are safe and well and that I live in the woods and can work from home. Thank you for sharing!
Ruth T says
1. In the midst of the heartbreak of what’s going on in Hong Kong with the national security law that China has created, I am choosing to be thankful that: we got the chance to visit my in-laws there before this, that 2 of my 3 kids were able to go, my sister-in-law visited before this, and my in-laws have been safe thus far. My dreams of visiting every few years are fading away, but I’m incredibly thankful that we went when we did 2.5 years ago.
2. I’m thankful for the effort my church is making to have church be safe and how they’re making adjustments to make it a family service since there are no kids classes right now. They’ve been so gracious to those of us with small kids and have done things like share a playlist so my kids can learn the songs we’ll sing and create packets for them for during the service. I appreciate their efforts to give us information about what to expect as one of my children needs as much prepping as I can give her.
3. I’m thankful for my church’s summer reading program! They purchased around 70 new books this year and I am LOVING the selection! A lot of these books are starting great conversations.
4. I’m thankful that my husband’s work is continuing to pay him. Such a small portion of their facility is able to be open right now, but he’s been allowed to work the whole time.
5. I’m thankful for the swimming options we have as we are in the midst of a bunch of really hot days! I never had opportunities like this growing up and it’s such a fun thing to do with my kids. (Also, my freshly-turned-2yo daughter loves jumping in the pool by herself and it is SO CUTE.)
Madeline says
1.Very grateful we have a comfortable home and a back yard with a pool during this Covid crisis.We live in Arizona and it’s scary. But we have a lot of room and things to do righthere at home and I am counting my blessings.
2. I am grateful I met my soul mate and married him! During this time of MUCH togetherness, we are finding out we still really love each other’s company. On the days one or the other of us is feeling sad or grumpy or out of sorts (who wouldn’t have some bad days during all this!!??) we give each other wide berth .We have a sixth sense to know when the other one needs an extra hug.
3. I am grateful for INSTACART so I can have groceries delivered for a while,again, as our numbers are looking so bad and we want to just stay out of the store right now.
4. Grateful for several LARGE parks where we can get some outdoor time and long walks by lakes, while being able to stay FAR AWAY from others (and we go VERY early so that helps too.)
5.Grateful BEYOND BELIEF for the Cloud Library app..I borrow books and read them on my ipad. A lifesaver!!!
6.Grateful for music..I love our Spotify account and also get all kinds of podcasts on there as well as incredible variety of music.This is an expense we find well worth it since we listen to a lot of music,daily.
7.Grateful for blogs.. I cans till feel connected to the “world out there!”
Debbie says
1. I am thankful that my husband and his team survived the latest round of layoffs at his company. He works in oil and gas, which has been hit hard by the low oil prices and pandemic.
2. I am thankful that our local libraries have been open for curbside pickup so our family can be supplied with new books to read!
3. I am thankful that our family got a socially-distant weekend beach getaway in mid-June before the virus numbers started climbing again (in Texas).
4. I am thankful that our neighborhood pools have opened up using a reservation system to keep the numbers low and that I have been able to take my kids to have some outdoor time.
5. I am thankful that my husband and I have been able to take nightly walks together since the quarantine started and it has been a good time to reconnect and talk without the kids around.
6. I am thankful for Kristen and her blog!!
Lindsey says
1. A husband who did not plan on marrying a woman who developed a debilitating chronic illness, yet has never made me feel like a burden. Quite the opposite. The other day some couple on a show was talking about their love song and I said something about how we never had one. My husband said, “Don’t you think of our entire marriage as one big love song? I do.”
2. Running water. I lived without it in various Alaskan villages and opening the tap to get it still seems like a miracle.
3. Ditto flushing toilets.
4. I still grieve the loss of my beloved Irish wolfhound but our rescue mutt is a blessing. He was badly abused and we still have to watch making sudden arm gestures around him or raising our voices even in laughter—anything threatening and he falls to the ground and just lies there motionless. When that happens I have a fantasy of locating his previous owner and chasing after him in my wheelchair, hitting him with a big stick. Yet, despite his background, this dog is the most loving, non-destructive, happy just to be in the same room with one of us, animal.
5. My first tomatoes are ready for eating, about two weeks earlier than usual.
Isa says
#1:Awwwwwwww!!!!!!
Jan says
I’m grateful for canned coconut milk. Canned coconut milk makes a good cream substitute. If you just need a little, it freezes nicely in ice cube trays so you have some on hand for next time. And a great substitute for sour cream is coconut yogurt–it’s easy to make with canned coconut milk although it takes longer than homemade yogurt. Since it’s not a protein milk you don’t have to heat it then cool it down. Just add culture (you can find vegan cultures), a tiny bit of sugar, and some gelatin (it won’t thicken on its own). I incubate 24 hours.
I’m grateful that my family is well and safe and that we all are able to shelter in place.
I’m grateful the weather has been mild so far. We have no air conditioning and we haven’t had any days in the 100’s yet. When it is hot our solar powered attic fans do a good job until the sun gets too low at about 5 p.m., then we are hot and miserable for only a few hours until it’s cool enough outside to open up windows to get a breeze.
Kara says
I am thankful that our kitchen renovation is DONE. I am slowly cleaning and getting the house and garage back to normal. I hope that I will not live in a house that needs a complete gut of the kitchen again.
I am thankful our girls are coming to visit this weekend.
I am thankful that our county COVID numbers are not too bad.
I’m thankful for tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce and collard greens from our garden.
I’m thankful that I made a few more masks and so have to wash them all less often.
Vanessa says
I’m thankful for:
My ability to cook dinner from what looks like a bare pantry and fridge…I call this my superpower and we eat some interesting and creative (and cheap) meals around here!
My garden that is producing full tilt! So many greens, berries, peas, beans and herbs.
Being able to bike year round…can’t say that in all parts of Canada, but on my island, it’s a doable thing.
My loving, kind natured, one eared rescue cat. A true friend!
My cavity free mouth, and my work benefits that cover twice a year cleanings.
That kid #2’s braces will start to be removed tomorrow (tell Zoe she has our full sympathy, we understand all about sore post orthodontist mouths here!) and again, those dental benefits that kicked in and paid for the treatment.
Love your blog!
Tammy says
I am thankful:
-that my husband and I are both employed, and are able to work from home right now (both our jobs sent all employees home to work to be safe)
-that were I live has a very low number of active covid cases
-that my daughter is done with school, and can enjoy the summer weather (while social distancing and wearing a mask)
-that we have a dog who we love and loves us
-that we have a house that gives us all a little space when we need it, and that it has air conditioning!
-that we finished the payments for braces in May, and the car payment will be done in August
Rachel says
At this moment, I am sitting at my aunt’s kitchen table, drinking a cup of coffee brewed for me, while she plays with my two little ones in her pool. I have never been more grateful for a peaceful cup of coffee. My introvert heart is rejoicing in this moment.
kristin @ going country says
This made me happy to read. As a fellow introvert and mom to four young children, my heart is rejoicing with you.
Ruth says
Here’s my list:
1. Air conditioning! It is HOT.
2. My husband’s knee is finally healing correctly after 15 months of struggle with an infecting after knee replacement surgery. He’s had 5 surgeries on that knee since March of 2019.
3. Our daughter is bringing the grandkids to see us over Fourth of July weekend.
4. We could afford to replace our 35-year-old electric range when it died.
5. Air conditioning – LOL!
Kaitlin Buchheit says
1. My Bible is almost done being rebound. I was supposed to get it back in April but Covid changed that, and then protesters caused damage to the binder’s store, so they were delayed again. But at last, I should have it next week or the week after!
2. Recieved a good post-op report from my daughter’s ear surgeon.
3. My son has been growing so much that every time one of his specialists sees him we get remarks about how healthy he looks. He almost died in his first day of life, and doctors told us to expect that he would need a trach for life and would never walk or sit up. He sits up independently and no longer has a trach, and he’s on his way to walking. This kid continues to amaze me.
4. Coffee. I’m on my second cup, and it provides such soul warmth and comfort for me when I’m tired.
Suz says
Such good news about your son (and daughter’s surgery) !
betta from daVille says
5 thinks for which I am thankful:
1) I have a well-paying job, and one that I can do from home until the fall
2) That I have a small yard, even though I live in the town with the highest density in New England
3) That we are able to use a small part of our small yard to grow some veg, herbs and flowers (there is something about fresh flowers in a house, but I’m usually too frugal to pay for any).
4) That both my partner and I really enjoy cooking 4.5) that partner seems willing to wash all the dishes
5) That my parents and inlaws have not contracted Covid
CrunchyCake says
Gratitude comes easy for me but it’s still so nice to stop and find words for it. Thanks for creating a space for it.
1. That I can read. The world would be so limited without this.
2. That my kids are happy and healthy with us at home and that we don’t feel the pressure or the need to go out much these days.
3. That my first year of going back to work after staying home with my kids for 8.5 years has allowed me to still have time for and with my kids. It doesn’t always feel perfect but it really allows me to flex so many of the values and skills that matter to me.
4. That my kids often choose to read over other things.
5. That my husband has been watering our plants. Usually (because I’m the one who usually takes on the project) the plants are dead by this point in the year but this year we have over 40 tomatoes, some zucchini, carrots, and peppers on the way.
6. That my daughter is starting to produce the R sound correctly. She’s been in speech therapy since she was 2 and it’s the very last sound that’s left for her to work on. I think she will be done in August. I am so proud of her – even though she didn’t really have much of a choice in sticking to it (we kinda made her go), she’s worked hard.
Kara says
My daughter did 5 years of speech therapy for tongue thrust and a severe lisp. Both were corrected. It was brutal therapy and at the time we wondered what she would feel about it when she was older. She is 25 now and recently volunteered that she was so thankful that we did the therapy. She had been speaking with an adult with a lisp and realized how much it impacts professional life.
It was absolutely wonderful to hear that she didn’t resent it. We are thankful we had the time and money to do it when she was little.
Kaitlin says
That’s so good to hear. Therapy (and other medical interventions) can be so tough on kids, and it’s good to hear that it’s worth it, at least to some!
CrunchyCake says
That’s so reassuring – thank you for sharing! I often wonder how she’ll see her experience with the therapy in the future. It’s been so rewarding to see her progress (even when it was slow) and to see her less frustrated because people can understand her better now.
Amanda says
1) I am thankful that our business is still able to pay all our employees. We are fortunate to happen to be in a line of business that can be safely done with employees and clients working from home. We stand to make a fraction of the profit in 2020 that we made in 2019, but as long as we can pay rent and payroll we can hold on through the current terrible moment.
2) I am thankful that my “job” is a research fellow that can be done entirely from home in limited hours. Not only does that mean I can social distance, but it means that I can focus most of my time on being home with our kids this fall.
3) I am thankful that our family has a very large emergency fund, no debt, and is used to living on a very small income. We usually have a healthy income, but daycare and aftercare for four kids generally takes a pretty big bite. Eliminating care situations in the fall will save us the amount we normally bring home in distributions from the business, which is great because there is very little profit to distribute this year.
4) I am thankful that our school system distributed laptops to the kids. My school-age kids juggled my laptop for virtual school things in the spring. Now they can each be on virtual summer school while I am working.
5) I am thankful that our pastor is heeding CDC recommendations and listening to the congregation about when we feel comfortable coming back together in person. I am also thankful that he has been willing to do drive in church and online church, which reaches just about everybody.
JD says
I love your marigolds. So far, every time I’ve tried to grow them here in Florida, they die quickly. Probably the problem is the gardener, not the plant.
I’m so grateful to still have a job and to be getting a paycheck! Our office building held three different companies. It is now empty, except for us — the other two had to shut down permanently due to the pandemic. And recently, the largest employer in the very small town where I live (I work in another city from where I live) laid off almost a third of their employees. Our little town is reeling.
I’m grateful that I’m getting produce from my tiny container garden.
I’m grateful for air conditioning, too. Our heat index this last weekend was 109 and 110.
I’m grateful that my daughter took care of her dad for me so I could get away on a much-needed break and he could get a break from me :). He really enjoyed spending a lot of one on one time with his girl. He and I were both more cheerful when I came back home from my mini-trip.
I’m grateful for insulin. I’m NOT grateful for the inflated price of it, but I’m grateful it was developed. I would have lost my husband shortly after we married and my niece at 13, otherwise.
I’m grateful that, barring any virus related complications, my granddaughter finally gets her scoliosis surgery in less than 3 weeks. I’m grateful for the medical advances that let her have robotic surgery that will straighten her spine and end the back pain.
I’m grateful for this blog!
Kristen says
Oh, interesting! Marigolds are a really hardy flower here, which is why I can grow them. Ha.
I’m so glad you were able to get a little break. Caregiving is such a hard thing. <3
Katy in Africa says
My husband, it’s his birthday today, thankful we get to live and work together.
Homeschooling is getting easier and easier as we wrap up various subjects for the year.
Our little kitty we got just this week.
Verses that remind me to turn to God for help and to stop worrying so much about what people think of me.
Rain.
Heidi Louise says
So many universal themes come up on these lists! I don’t have high blood pressure, but even so, I am sure it goes down when I read these comments. The sense of joining in with other thankful people is calming and invigorating.
My family is beyond thankful that my Dad has a few friends who are checking up on him during the health crisis he is having now. I am thankful I have a good and a great relationship with my two sisters.
I am thankful that my day lilies have finally started blooming, (why is my yard always a week behind the neighbors?), and that the dragon flies have returned. I like seeing them sailing by.
I am amazed at how vine-ing plants grow. I have sweet peas, morning glories, and clematis, (not that the first two are blooming, of course). Each one seems to attach itself to supports and move up and out in different ways. Their nature is to just keep growing, a great reminder I need for blooming where I am planted.
Kris says
Camping! We just got back from a camping trip in northern MI yesterday–we went to a rustic campground (read: vault toilets–restrooms were the only risk factor I was concerned about, and while, yes, there is an ick factor to vault style, overall I think they are safer in a public setting. No plumes to emit germs since you can’t flush, and frankly, who wants to hang out for a long time in one of them????). I can’t tell you how good it was to go do something fun as a family …. cell service was spotty at best which was a blessing. Hiking, swimming, camp fires–life is good.
Along similar lines to your thinking, Kristen–it was hot during the day while camping but cool at night so no sweaty attempts at sleeping! And now that we are home …. yes to central AC, watermelon, and iced coffee! Let me add to that ice cream and fruit-cicles. Also, I am grateful for a window visit with my mom this morning before the heat got too unbearable.
Mary says
1. My health. Last summer I got a horrible upper respiratory virus, then pneumonia and was out of commission for MONTHS. I couldn’t do any gardening or mow the yard. I had to hire someone to do it, and although he did a decent job, it almost felt wasteful for me to pay someone what typically takes me about two hours a week. This year, I’m a mowing fool and back full speed to gardening. It keeps my body moving and with the instant gratification, is nice to look at when I’m done.
2. My job. My company was well placed to make the shift from us working in an office, to working remotely. The shift was relatively seamless (on my end) and as an introvert, I love working from home. There’s also been a shift in my company’s attitude about teleworking, so much that they’re considering extending it for some once the pandemic is over. I’m one of those being considered and it brings me joy.
3. Technology. With my kids spread out all over the state (and one in another country), we don’t get to see each other as often as we’d like without a pandemic. Now, it’s even more of a struggle. Technology allows us to have group texts so we hear about the mundane things that connect people. I can video call my son in Italy to help me troubleshoot a problem with my computer monitor, or chat with him via Messenger to see the cat he’s house sitting, or the bread he made, or the video game he played.
4. Modern conveniences. I ordered online a new cordless trimmer/weeder that’s lighter than the corded one I’d been using. Snap in a rechargeable battery and go. When I mowed my yard, I used the self-propelled feature on my mower. When I was finished with the yard, I came into a house cooled with central AC and controlled the thermostat using an app on my phone. When I need advice or ideas or information, it is all a click away on my laptop, phone or tablet. I remember the days when these conveniences weren’t available, and it makes me appreciate them all the more.
Becca says
I am thankful for
-a negative covid active virus and antibody test despite my neighbors both testing positive
-that I was able to connect with all my students virtually to make sure they were ok, even though actually teaching them online was very hard because they are in prek
-my family is all healthy and coping ok with the current situation
-my husband and I are on the same page about the things that matter most: health and safety, human rights, etc
-all three of my children are avid readers-the last one (5 year old) finally became fluent this spring
-that my husband already works at home and we already homeschooled two out of three of our children, so school changes caused only minimal disruptions
-that I am in regular contact with a few of my closest friends, and they are all doing well
-that I don’t mind being at home and don’t feel itchy to go out and about
-that I have a house and yard that meet my family’s needs for storage, learning, play time, etc
-that I had the health, know-how in terms of storage and financial means to majorly stock up on food and don’t need to grocery shop for a very long time
-that my garden is beautiful after ten years of living here even though I had almost no time to attend to it this spring because distance learning was such a major time commitment
-that even though my beautiful tree died last year in the drought, I was able to have it partially removed (leaving trunks for birds) and lovingly used every bit of it by edging my gardens, building a cool fort for my kids and mulching under their play areas with the wood chips-I will have to take more trunk down in a couple years, but I should have time to figure out what to do with those bigger logs by then
-that my children want to spend time with me even if I might like a break from them once in a while
-that I could probably keep going on this list all day-so much to be thankful for-thank you for the reminder to practice gratitude
Karen. says
It’s midsummer, which on a farm means not a lot of income and a ton of expenses; yet while ends aren’t quite meeting, we’re also not yet robbing Peter to pay Paul. I’m grateful for that.
I’m also thankful for Emily Starr, whose very existence saves me when I tire of reading drivel or news or work or some kind of “better thyself” thing.
Seven sets of teeth, no cavities. Not just grateful for that but also relieved and very pleased.
Jenni says
1. It’s summertime!
2. I’m employed.
3. I get to spend extra time with my teenage kids.
4. We are healthy.
5. We have food in the cupboards and fridge and the means to pay our bills.
Wendy says
I am thankful that, even with a lockdown, I enjoy my home. That my husband, and daughter that lives with us, are still working. That my married daughter and her family have been able to see more of each other during this pandemic, without illness. That our extended family is otherwise healthy as well. For all the small stuff, like eggs, peanut m&m’s, green tea, Scrabble Go-so I can play with siblings across the miles.
F says
Oh this is great timing! With everything going on around me (COVID cases keep climbing where I’m at) and politically (we live in the US but aren’t Americans which currently means we are not sure if we can come back home when we go visit family abroad; family can’t visit us here -due to closed border for Europe- and third; the visa-changes the president has put in place make our time here very insecure and make me fee extremely unwelcome, even though we are scientists and are clearly doing good work and not “stealing anyone’s job”). Okay, sorry for the ramble, it’s clear that i need to look at the bright side!
I’m grateful for:
1. My beautiful healthy baby born in the midst of these crazy times. His smile brightens a room and the loving look in his eyes when he looks up at you melts my heart.
2. My husband, who is so sweet, caring and a lovely man.
3. Our garden and space. Even though we live near the city, we have some space to be outside safely, where the dogs can play and I can grow a few vegetables.
4. I am also grateful for FaceTime and video calls, not having family close is hard and them not being able to meet their first grandchild for the foreseeable future (>3 months now) is tough. BUT I’m glad they can still “see” and meet him, it’s better than nothing!
5. Our health and healthcare people. In times like this it is a luxury not to need any hospital/doctors/etc and it is a blessing that they are there when you do need them!
6. Still having a job and being able to continue to work relatively safe!
7. Our dogs that can play so well together and are so sweet with our baby. They bring joy and laughter with their crazy moves.
8. The flexibility of our jobs to be able to make the decision to keep baby home as COVID-cases are record-breaking.
9. Sleep! Oh the joy of a few hours of deep, uninterrupted rest!
10. Life in general, it’s a beautiful precious good ❤️
Kristen says
Hugs to you. I’m sorry about your Visa issues, and I hope you can stay!
Darlene says
I’m very grateful for the three little girls who live next door–ages 8, 6, and 3. They made us a salad box with lettuce, rosemary and radish that they grew themselves and proudly brought it over yesterday. The 6 year-old also made me a purple eraser. I’m always losing erasers so I was happy to get a new one.
Neck issues seem to be a common theme today. I’m grateful that I could resume massage therapy for my neck. It helps a lot.
I’m happy that my neighbors’ cat is still coming for regular end of the day visits. And he never seems to mind if I complain a bit, although he has been known to give me a gentle head butt if I go on too long.
Connie says
My tax bill was very high- I’m grateful I had such good financial year and paying taxes is a privilege for everything we receive from the tax base.
Kristen says
Yep, that’s what I reminded myself of this morning as I got the payments ready.
I might not like paying taxes, but I do like having paved roads, libraries, fire stations, national and state parks, and so on!
Ruth T says
A month or so ago my 6yo was looking into the price of buying something and I told her how much it cost, then how much the taxes would be on top of that. When I explained what taxes were and what they went toward, her response was, “You mean, I’m like, helping people?” She was excited about it.
Heidi Louise says
What a charming, sharing response! You’re helping her be very sensitive to the big picture of living in a community.
Barbara Smith says
Well, I am grateful for this blog. Reading it — and the other entries — this morning reminded me GRATITUDE is a choice I can still make when so many choices are not really mine to make. Also your pictures reminded to look at the countless little blessings each and every day I take for granted . . . and for the realization I have what I have because God knows what I need –and for today when I can pray He showers his help and love on those whose needs are great, and shows me how to be useful.
Carlisa says
I am grateful for:
1. Our porch because it just works!
2. The fact that I have so much time with my 2 teenage boys.
3. The friends & family who love us in a healthy, respectful way.
4. The last recession was painful but taught us so much. I am actually grateful (now;) for all the lessons learned and the work now is not taken for granted.
5. Hardships and struggles in parenting teens…helping me to grow as a person & trust God on a deeper level.
6. Nice weather today. It helps my mood & makes me WANT to go outside.
7. People who remind me and give great reasons to be grateful!
Nancy says
Gratitude is something I try to practice everyday. There has been difficult times in my life and I have learned that being grateful makes each day better. While falling asleep, I think about I am grateful for.
1) Airconditioning- I have copd and asthma and as such I do not do well with humidity and higher temps.
2) My employer- she has been great through this co-vid pandemic!
3) My adult children – they have kept me out of stores, even though we live in the country.
4) My doctors- I have had medical crisis that started in September 2018 and it seems like it is finally winding down.
5) So far this summer has not been outrageously hot and I pray that it continues.
Karen says
Thankful the Grands got to come visit during these Covid times. We have to make those estimated tax payments as well, due to our little side hustles, glad to know we are not alone. Your marigolds are lovely.
Erika W. says
I am thankful, so deeply thankful, for my loving husband who has had to take over the house hold cleaning and shopping as my 83 year old back fails more and more. Right now he is watching our Roomba pace round the floors!
I am thankful for the love of my daughter and her family, including the surprise of her 20 year old daughter beginning to send me long Emails from her EMT job in Waco, T. (I am in Delaware)
I am thankful that after a warm Spring we seem to now be having a cool Summer.
I am thankful that it looks as if the voters are coming to their senses and may vote Democrat more in November.
I am thankful for your Blog = interesting and useful and allows a window into your delightful family, even including its problems.
Connie says
You sound like a lovely human!
Battra92 says
– That I am still going to the office regularly. So many people I know say the exact opposite as me but I am so thankful my job is on-site. My mental health would be so much worse if I was at home all day. plus it’s nice to feel important and those of us in the office have kind of started to be more friendly to each other as if we’re members of a club or something that gets to work in the office.
– We got some much needed rain. We are technically in a drought but we had an entire week of rain which helped things out a bit. I just hope that they don’t get too much water now.
– Took a week off of work which means that I was able to spend a week doing absolutely nothing. It was nice for the first time in months to actually get some relaxation in.
– That I live in the United States of America which is, without question, the greatest place on Earth. We were founded on the ideals of Liberty and the Rule of Law. It is something worth celebrating and defending as there is nothing on this side of Jerusalem, of greater importance to mankind.
tricia says
Amen!
Nancy says
Well put! Thank you, God, for the USA.
M says
Well said!! God Bless the greatest Nation on earth!!
Sarah says
I am thankful that my 3 kids working in health care with the virus are healthy and have negative COVID antibody tests. I am also thankful that we are able to have church services outdoors now.
Kristina says
Thankful for..
-morning coffee and breakfast outside on our small porch, looking over the garden every morning before starting work.
-being able to go to our small beach fishing or swimming in the evenings after work.
-my body that has slowly adjusted to running in the heat and humidity.
-that we had an opportunity to take a road trip to Florida to see family before the pandemic cases increased again. Would not have gone now, even though it was very socially distanced.
-having insurance when my son drove the car into a ditch, and that nobody got hurt.
-that my mother has recovered from her stroke earlier this summer, a comfort since I can’t visit.
-being able to go to my massage therapist after a long break.
Julie says
That my husband is able to get out and play golf 3 weeks after his hip replacement surgery! Amazing. That I have a great job that I already do from home, so adjusting to “working from home” hasn’t been hard. That we are fortunate enough to live in a place with plenty of opportunities for outdoor exercise and recreation and very little rain (yay, Western Colorado). That, comparatively, we’ve had very few COVID cases. That cooking is a hobby I enjoy, so doing more of that hasn’t been a problem. That we have a few sets of close friends we can still socialize with safely. SO MANY THINGS!
Linda@perilincreations.com says
1. I am grateful that the results of my colonoscopy came out fine and I don’t need to have another one for 10 years.
2. I don’t know what kind of neck issues you are having, but I have had issues with my neck since Christmas. My new primary doctor has prescribed me meds that not only helped with my neck, but has also helped with the arthritis in my knees. That, along with the manipulation therapy he has done, has given me pain free days.
3. I am grateful that I have several hobbies that I can do at home. I stay very busy and I am happy to stay at home more.
There is so much that I am thankful for It is difficult to write everything down. For now, I will stop here and wish everyone a happy week to come.
Kristen says
My neck issues are basically that I keep on getting stiff necks out of the blue. Or it feels like out of the blue. Like, I do something very minor, and then my neck is tight for three days.
I went to see an orthopedist, got x-rays, and he thought PT would help me figure out and fix whatever is making my neck so likely to lock up. So, off to PT I go! I’m hopeful that they can help me make my neck more resilient.
Connie says
I have found that a rub on product with CBD really helps. Got it online.
K D says
That we are healthy and able to get outside and exercise and see friends.
That my husband is still getting a regular paycheck while working from home. He may face a small pay cut going forward but we will be okay if he does.
For this blog. That Kristen posts great content almost every day of the week and there are so many worthwhile comments contributed.
That summer fruit is in season and local peaches and such will be available soon.
I second Kristen on central air conditioning. Such a wonderful thing and our utility bills in the summer are not that high.
A dishwasher. It does such a great job of getting stuck on food off of dishes.
How much easier it is to cook than when I was growing up. Boneless, skinless chicken pieces instead of whole chickens. Sliced and shredded cheese instead of cheese in blocks. That it is easy to buy prepared food, like pulled pork, for a night when you want to hit the easy button. Also for food labeling, so you know how much salt is in a processed food. We deal with allergies in our house too, without labeling how would you know that something may contain peanuts and the like.
The internet. It can be a double edged sword but I love access to news, recipes, blogs, and puzzles.
The library, including e-books, DVDs, and other services (and that curb side pick up started last week).
For this regular blog post about gratitude. These days when we are still mostly Staying Home it is easy to feel sorry for yourself.
That I have a lot more ideas but I have the mercy to spare you guys this week
Pam says
Thanks for hosting these gratitude sessions every week, Kristen! This is my first time participating…
1. The “Humphrey’s Tiny Tales” book series. My 7 year old is a reluctant reader, but he giggles so much during solo reading time with these books. Also, the library for doing curbside pickup.
2. Our dog’s Thundershirt. Fireworks have been going off every night for more than a week, and the Thundershirt gives out dog some relief from his anxiety.
3. Super lovely neighbors. I’m so glad we are having our socially distant porch visits a few times a week.
4. My side hustle – cleaning houses. I work for our local school district, and was very lucky to be paid when schools closed. However, I don’t get paid during the summer (I’m an hourly employee). My friend has a cleaning business, and lets me help out during breaks. I don’t love the work, but I do appreciate the money…and having a a way to earn money that minimizes my exposure to Covid.
5. Creek stomping with my son. It’s hard finding things to do for an only child and his single mom during a pandemic. Luckily, we have some nice parks with creek access. He loves catching minnows and crawdads and splashing around in a creek.
6. Air conditioning. So, so thankful.
7. It’s almost sweet corn season! Growing up in the Midwest, I love locally grown sweet corn.
8. Yesterday I used up the last bit of a jar of applesauce to make a baked oatmeal. It was nice to have a good breakfast all ready to go this morning.
9. Last night my son and I went over to have dinner with my man-friend (boyfriend? It’s weird dating in your 40s). We had a great meal and played a game together.
10. Online church services. Our little church has done an amazing job adapting to the current situation and has live services every Sunday.
Kristen says
Your number one…isn’t it so fun to see your kid enjoying reading? So great.
And number five: creeks are so much fun!
Victoria says
I know what you mean. Boyfriend sounds like I’m 15, other half feels clumsy. I use partner most of the time although that sounds like I mean girlfriend and don’t want people to know. At home we consider ourselves each other’s significant otter
Whatever you’re calling him, it’s nice that you enjoyed dinner.
Bee says
Thankful Thursday always comes at the right time. I know I have so much to be thankful for, but I am stuck in the summer doldrums. July and August in Florida are not my favorite months, and there is no escape!!! However, there are blessings.
1) Air Conditioning – With temperatures in the high 90s last week and under the intense Florida, the heat was dangerously high. I can’t imagine life without it.
2) Ice – Because of all the reasons above, I cannot imagine life without it.
3) The Beach – In the hottest most humid summer months, most outdoor activity revolves around the water. So lucky to live nearby.
4) The Library – Although they are closed to the public, our library has managed to continue many services even during the Covid closures.
5) My Family – Love makes everything easier.
Kim S. says
Gratitude is indeed important.
First, here’s a little reading on that which came across my virtual desk from the Chronicle of Higher Education. It’s geared towards academics but this information is useful for us all.
https://www.chronicle.com/article/ProductivityHappiness/248481?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_1329430&cid=cqt&source=ams&sourceId=5194166
Second, here’s my gratitude list for today to help me fight off pity and envy:
1. My new window air conditioner is in!
2. I live in a small city apartment but there is a deck and a yard. I sat on the deck this morning to drink my coffee — humid but cool enough.
3. When I become sick of city living, I can visit my parents in the country. We have all been sheltering and decided some time ago that we needed to spend time together so I still visit. They have an acreage and our beautiful family cat, Snoopy, who brings me joy just because he exists. I will be going there tomorrow.
4. I have a full freezer and today I pulled out some chili to have for supper.
5. I teach online and am caught up responding for today. I can do other things that need attention.
6. I can order books from my local library for pickup for my dad today and the system they have set up is working really well, better than the system set up for his own local library.
7. My neighborhood tends to have a lot of fireworks day and night in the summer and this summer it is especially bad. But, I have recently read that this is a country wide phenomenon which strangely comforts me.
8. I learned that there is a szechuan green pepper oil that I can buy if I want to make delicious gong bao chicken or dan dan noodles. Thanks for the heads up NY Times!
9. I am enjoying binging on — and please don’t judge me! — King of Queens. I am excited that the streaming service I have will soon have Downton Abby so that’s next!
10. Interesting. This last one is hard to come up with! Hmmm…. I’m generally glad that I have always been a quiet person who doesn’t mind being alone alot. So I don’t suffer as much as some who really, really miss being with others and being out in the world in big groups, etc.
ellen says
-That I am able to work from home, (for now) during this Epidemic
-that we have met our insurance deductible, now we are at 80/20. Still a bit farther for our 100%.
– my whole family is healthy threw all of this.
-that my son is going to be able to do an in person 8th graduation next week (they lost out on so many traditions, glad he will have this one) Can’t believe he will be going to high school in the fall.
I am sure there is more, but this is a good start.
kristin @ going country says
I’m sorry you’re having neck issues. That’s a bummer.
Happy things:
Coffee in a quiet house
The very kind teacher at the school who e-mailed me to let me know she had bought a collection of over 900 books from a retiring fifth grade teacher. The teacher at our school who bought them thought of my older boys and their voracious reading and offered to let me go in and rummage through to take anything I wanted before school started. We went yesterday morning, came home with over 20 books, and our day was remarkably quiet and calm as a result. BLESS HER.
That our incredibly sweet elderly neighbor, who went to live with her daughter in a city for awhile because of medical issues, is back in her house. My kids love Miss Amelia, and even though they can’t go in to her house and have cookies and Kool-Aid anymore (Miss Amelia is stuck in the 1980s :-), they’re still happy they can wave to her and yell hello across her yard when they see her on her porch.
Garden produce besides lettuce is finally coming for me, and I ate the first tomato from one of my plants a couple of days ago.
It was 55 degrees when I got us yesterday, and I did not start my day sweating. (We do not have air conditioning.)
I’ve started exercising a little bit again every day, and while it is clear that my body at 40 does not work the same way it did even ten years ago, I am so, so grateful it works as well as it does and that I have no medical issues that impact my mobility, or require medication or doctor visits.
Victoria says
I am struggling and one of the outcomes of that is irritability. I’m so close to shouting at ppl I work with. I deliberately opened this post to read because I knew it was something I needed to hear. I don’t want to think of anything with gratitude, which means that I definitely should do it!
Things for which I am grateful:
I don’t have to go to the office or be near people when I’m irritated, I can step away from my home desk and calm down.
I have an osteopath appt tmw, which will help me.
We have plenty of food in the house.
My partner is lovely and regularly brings me tea
I have fleecey, fluffy socks and I can feel how snuggly they are when I scrunch my toes.