Is there anything worse than being in a totally bad and negative mood and having someone say something like “you should count your blessings.” Sure, when things go bad I know that there is always someone worse off than me, but I also think things could be better. If you look for things to be thankful for, they are all around you.
I grew up with privilege. No, I didn’t grow up a Kardashian. Way, way, far removed from them. But, privilege is all in degrees, isn’t it? No matter how bad things get in my life, how many knocks I experience, and how badly I’m beaten down by bad luck, I can always find things to be thankful for.
A function of being human, God, or whoever rules this universe, gives us all things to celebrate even in times when the last thing we feel is celebratory.
# Rain. Not everyone loves rain, but it is the thing that makes the flowers and grass grow. It also washes all things away to make everything new. Like a do-over, rain is one of the things to be thankful for.
# Love. No better feeling on earth. What feels better than being in love? If you have people in your life that you love, then you have something to be very thankful for.
# Kissing. Is there anything more exhilarating than when your lips meet theirs? A very strange practice for sure, I am very thankful for the times I get kisses from the guy in my life.
# Smiles. Smiles are like a little shot of happiness directed your way. Smiles make your day bright and all your problems seem that much less.
# Laughter. Laughter truly is the best medicine. Be thankful when you can find the humor, even when things are not humorous.
# Puddles. Puddles aren’t just for kids. Come on now, you like to drive through them and stamp them every once in a while, admit it!
# Wind in our hair. Nothing more life affirming than letting the wind whip your face as you find your freedom in a convertible, motorcycle, or just our riding your bike. The wind is something miraculous.
# Rainbows. Not just the gay community is thankful for rainbows. They are pretty amazing!
# Children’s laughter. That includes the laughter of a baby who just learned how to giggle. It just sets your heart on fire. I suppose that I should lump YouTube here too because you can listen to it anytime you want.
# Sunny days. Sunny days are like soaking in energy that lasts forever.
# Rainy days. Rainy days are God’s way of giving you a break to do nothing but lay in bed and watch a movie on a weekend.
# Friends. What would life be like without friends? I can’t imagine not having anyone to pick me up or to vent to.
# Family. Sometimes you are thankful for them, sometimes not. But when the shit hits the fan, it is nice to have them around.
# Shelter. We all need someplace warm and safe!
# Good food. Of any kind!
# Shoes. Can you imagine how much your feet would hurt?
# Orgasms. They make you feel really good, right?!
# Praise. When someone says, “good job,” that is something that you should be thankful for. There isn’t enough of that going around.
# Sex. It makes us feel good and connected to someone.
# Emotions. Good, bad, or indifferent, it is better than walking through life without anything but vanilla.
# Spring. Blooming flowers and spring showers.
# Fall. Sweater weather and football.
# Quiet. Sorry, that might just be for those of us with kids.
# Children. That one during certain stages might not apply, but overall, it always will.
# Cars. Walking everywhere would be a total bitch and waste of time.
# Pizza. Melty, cheesy goodness. What’s not to be thankful for?
# Netflix. What did we do before we could watch whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted?
# Music. It can bring you up, allow you to wallow, or just remind you of the best time ever.
# Hugs. We need human touch, and hugs are one of the best forms.
# Starlit nights. A reminder of how big this universe is.
# Campfires. No need for scary stories just the people who make you smile.
# Heat. It would suck to be cold all the time!
# Air conditioning. It would really suck to be hot all the time.
# The internet. Sometimes a blessing, sometimes a curse.
# Smart phones. A text from someone you love or a chance to check out your pictures.
# Free will. If you use it the right way, or any way I suppose.
# Baths. How good does rushing water feel?
# Pets. Until they pee on your carpeting!
# Ziplock bags. Disposable stuff rocks!
# Wine. It just takes you away.
# Beer. Let’s be thankful for the hops!
# Credit cards. Especially when you get in a jam!
# Freedom. The best thing in the world, we should be thankful for soldiers here too!
# Vacation. Time away gives the perspective we need.
# Superficial people. Without them we wouldn’t know what depth feels like!
# Social media. It gives us a chance to stay connected with people we weren’t able to before.
# Cookies. Hot out of the oven…
# Moms. Maybe not all of them, but I am thankful for mine!
# Penicillin. We don’t suffer like they used to.
# Indoor plumbing. No more outhouses? That definitely rocks.