When I get anxious, frustrated, down, one of the greatest tools I can use to start feeling better is making a gratitude list. I’ve noticed that most of my worries are about the future (what if this happens, what if that doesn’t turn out as planned, how will I know when…). I’ve also found that most of my frustrations are about the past (how could that have happened? I can’t believe that this has turned out this way…).

The amazing thing about gratitude lists, is that they force me to look at the NOW. I cannot be grateful for things that haven’t happened yet (no more future-tripping), and reflecting on the good things in my past can only help balance my perspective on what reality is really like for me (today). When we are future tripping or in morbid reflection all day long, we miss out on living in the moment. We miss out on all the joys that take place right in front of our eyes. So I am going to take a minute and make a gratitude list. I am going to tell you all the things in my life that I am thankful for TODAY, right NOW, and enjoy living life instead of racing it…

Lean Pockets ®
A cuddly dog that walks me every morning
The sun rise at 5:30am
Dance class tonight
Clean clothes to wear
Smelly soaps in the shower
A bed to sleep in…that is made…and smells like linen 
Sweetened oatmeal and almonds for breakfast
The mountains right outside my apartment, and on my drive to work
Little girls with chipped nail polish
Little boys with tubby stomachs
Accents…European and Australian accents
A culture of open vulnerability in the 12-step groups
A culture of growth, learning, and positivity in the 12-step groups
A job that helps me live just under my means
A relaxing read with my morning latte
A few classes at a time in college, so I can learn for pleasure
The Discovery Channel with a bowl of grapes and a warm blanket
Friends and laughter at dinner time
A car to drive me from work, to home, to school, to 12-step meetings

No matter what happened yesterday, and no matter what happens tomorrow, chances are that these things will stay the same. And whether my income increases or decreases, whether people approve or disapprove of me, whether I get romance or watch it disappear, whether my children obey or rebel, I have a life that is rich with constant joy. I have so little control over life’s circumstances. I am truly a grain of sand in the ocean. The good news is that this ocean is such a beautiful place to live if I open my eyes to its pleasures. What I do have control over is how I move with the waves…