100 things i am thankful for

 (♥)

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. 
If you concentrate on what you don't have, 
you will never, ever have enough."

Oprah Winfrey

 

This week I've been writing a great deal about gratitude and it's no surprise that this has inspired me to think about all of the things I am thankful for. Every once and awhile I pull out my happy list (click the link to read more about it) and I add things to it. Yesterday, as I was thinking about gratitude, I realized that this list is somewhat like a gratitude journal, in that I'm really both happy and grateful for all of these things in my life. (See Wednesday's post to read more about the connection between happiness and gratitude.) All of the things that make me so happy are things that I'm also grateful for. Yesterday I added a bunch of new things, bringing the list up to 600! As tempting as it is to share all of those with you, I'll sum it up with my top 100...

100 Things I Am Thankful For

1. Life. How cool is that I'm actually here, in this world, living?
   
   
2. Friends. There is no way I could survive without them. Love you guys!
   
   
3. Family. We have our ups and downs, but they really are my foundation.
   
   
4. Love. It's completely magical and amazing, isn't it?
   
   
5. Words. They are literally my life line. I would not be me without them.
   
   
6. Choice. I love that every day I can choose to be happy. Fabulous!
   
   
7. Music. It's one of those things I literally cannot live without.
   
   
8. Color. As you can probably tell from my site, I'm obsessed with it!
   
   
9. Magic. Just read a quote saying magic is in everything. So true!
   
   
10. Art. To quote Ani Difranco, "Art is why I get up in the morning."
    
    
11. Dogs. They are flat out amazing creatures. Love you, Bella! Miss you, Pooky!
    
    
12. Health. I'm a pretty healthy girl and I'm so, so, SO happy about that.
    
    
13. Seasons. Spring, summer, winter, fall -- love 'em all!
    
    
14. Stars. As The Killers sing: "Stars are like rebel diamonds cut out of the sun." How beautiful!
    
    
15. Acceptance. I'm so thankful to those who accept me for who I am.
    
    
16. Rainbows. I've seen more of them this year than in my entire life combined. Amazing!
    
    
17. Blogs. I love writing mine and I love all the blogs I read on a regular basis.
    
    
18. Laughter. There is little better in the world than the laugh-so-hard-you-cry feeling.
    
    
19. Holidays. There's something incredibly exciting about them (especially Halloween!!!!).
    
    
20. Sunshine. I don't see too much of it today, but I love, love, love when the sun's shining.
    
    
21. Books. There's never a time when I'm not thankful for the words of another.
    
    
22. Organization. It might seem boring to some, but I'm really glad I'm organized.
    
    
23. Generosity. One of those things that's just as great to give as it is to get.
    
    
24. Encouragement. So many people have supported me in my life and I'm so lucky to have them.
    
    
25. Accountability. I'm so glad I've finally realized that I'm accountable for myself and my life.
    
    
26. Smiles. I love giving them and getting them. As Buddy the Elf says, "Smiling's my favorite!"
    
    
27. Change. It scares the shit out of me sometimes, but it can be a wonderful thing.
    
    
28. Fun. Who doesn't love a little bit (or a lot!) of fun in their lives?
    
    
29. Housing. This is something I usually take for granted, but I heart my apartment!
    
    
30. Comfort. Comfort food, comfy sweatpants, a comfortable relationship...comfort rocks!
    
    
31. Hope. Sometimes it's hard to find, but it's always there, waiting to lift me up.
    
    
32. Handwriting. It's so cool how we're all so different and this is a great place to see that.
    
    
33. Glitter. C'mon now, you know glitter is just about the awesomest thing ever.
    
    
34. Patience. I don't have very much of it yet, but I'm getting better at it every day!  
    
    
35. Photographs. There is nothing quite like a brilliant image to capture a moment.
    
    
36. Wonderlands. I particularly love Alice in Wonderland, but a winter wonderland is pretty great too.
    
    
37. Honesty. It really is the best policy.
    
    
38. Surprises. As long as they're good, I lovvvvvve them.
    
    
39. August. Best month ever, hands down.
    
    
40. Paw prints. I can't help but smile every time I see them.
    
    
41. Passion. One of the best things: seeing someone passionate about what they do or who they love.
    
    
42. Palm trees. If only they had them on the east coast... I'll be back, Cali!
    
    
43. Dreams. Both the daytime or nighttime variety are pretty cool.
    
    
44. Films. A movie that leaves you feeling moved -- priceless!
    
    
45. Positivity. Look for the good in everything and you will find it.
    
    
46. Knowledge. Gaining and possessing knowledge is one of my favorite things. Ever.
    
    
47. Quality Time. When you get to spend really quality time with someone, it's sooo fantastic.
    
    
48. Animals. How alike and different we are from them! Fascinating!
    
    
49. Kindness. Even the smallest act or word can change a day around...
    
    
50. Sleep. There's nothing like a soft pillow and a warm blanket after a long, hard day.
    
    
51. Dancing. I can't say I'm very good at it, but I love to do it!
    
    
52. Safe Landings. Gotta love those after a turbulence-filled flight!
    
    
53. Food. It's a major part of life, but I often forget to be thankful for it.
    
    
54. Challenges. They may suck at the time, but they always make me a better person.  
    
    
55. Imagination. I don't know where (or who!) I would be without it...
    
    
56. Compliments. Yeah, you know you're thankful for 'em too.
    
    
57. Twitter. It's awesome connecting with people on there and a great resource for new info.
    
    
58. Growing Up. Man, it was tough being in high school... and college... and right-out-of-college...
    
    
59. Freedom. Another thing I often take for granted, but am SO lucky to have.
    
    
60. Plans. I love knowing that fun things are coming up. Putting plans in place is great!
    
    
61. Therapy. Seriously, it has changed my life in so many amazing ways.
    
    
62. Driving. The car, the road, the music... awesome.  
    
    
63. Inspiration. There's nothing quite like coming across something that inspires you.
    
    
64. Peace. I'm not always at peace with myself and the world, but I'm working on it.
    
    
65. Productivity. It feels so great to be getting stuff done.
    
    
66. Emotions. Sometimes it's scary to feel things deeply, but it's also very wonderful.
    
    
67. Creativity. It's such a great feeling to make something and know it came from your heart. 
    
    
68. Good News. We all know there's a lot of bad news out there, so it's great to hear the good stuff.
    
    
69. Clothes. Even though I'm a grown-up, I still love playing dress up. Heart you, Chanel & Marc Jacobs!
    
    
70. Apologies. It feels great to hear them and even better to say them.
    
    
71. Forgiveness. This is also pretty great if you're in the wrong...
    
    
72. Weekends. Ahh, to be work-free for a few days. Love it!
    
    
73. Magazines: Nylon, Bitch, Bust, Real Simple, InStyle... I heart you.
    
    
74. Now. It's awesome to live in the moment. The only time we have is NOW!
    
    
75. Respect. One of the best things we can do is respect others -- and ourselves.
    
    
76. Bathing Suits. Considering I have about 32 of them, I'd say I'm pretty grateful for 'em (and summer days!)
    
    
77. Joy. It's something that is all around us -- we just have to look for it.
    
    
78. New Places. They can be scary sometimes, but the excitement is part of the fun!
    
    
79. Kisses. There are all sorts of kisses, but all of them are so awesome. 
    
    
80. Memories. I don't like to dwell too much on the past, but it's awesome to look back sometimes.
    
    
81. Excitement. I've had a fair amount of it in my life lately and I love it!
    
    
82. Coziness. It feels so good to cuddle up and be cozy with a great book (or person!).
    
    
83. Thoughts. I have a lot of them (a lot, a lot!) and I'm thankful for every single one.
    
    
84. Internet. Oh, what in the world would I do without you, World Wide Web??
    
    
85. Compassion. It feels wonderful to be compassionate to others.
    
    
86. Journals. All of those blank, beautiful pages!! I cannot get enough of them!
    
    
87. Opinions. I love sharing mine and hearing others' as well.
    
    
88. Water. Another one of those things I tend to take for granted, but it's super important.
    
    
89. Energy. I seem to have a lot of it these days! Yippee!
    
    
90. Questions. When I question things and when others question me, I learn. Love that!  
    
    
91. Time. I've already spent a pretty good amount of time being me, and I'm thankful for that.
    
    
92. Hugs. Not normally a touchy-feely girl, but a good hug can brighten any day.
    
    
93. Earth. This place is pretty cool, if you ask me. Thanks for letting me live here, Earth!
    
    
94. Safety. More often than not, I feel very safe and I'm so lucky to have that privilege.
    
    
95. Strength. I'm not that physically strong, but I have a lot of internal strength that I need to be thankful for.
    
    
96. Independence. It's great to be free, but it's also important to be independent.
    
    
97. Gifts. I adore buying gifts for others (and don't mind receiving them myself! ha!).
    
    
98. Enthusiasm. Life's too short to sit around being bored so get into it!  
    
    
99. Gratitude. Without it, I don't think I would be nearly as happy as I am right now.
    
    
100. YOU. Thank you, thank you, thank you for reading and support this blog. You. Are. Awesome.

Thank you to all of you who wrote in on Wednesday telling me about the things you're thankful for in your own lives. If you have more to add, or if you didn't get a chance on Wednesday, feel free to share with me in the comments section all of the things that you're grateful for today. I'd love to hear about the things that inspire you to have an attitude of gratitude!

Want a high-tech way to encourage that gratitude within you? Check out Gratitude Stream for your iPhone. You can also check out Gratitude Stream on Facebook!

Comments

[ilde roos]

This might sound really silly, but I'm thankful for my boyfriend. After having been married to an alcoholic (I divorced him 9 monhts after the wedding) and another icky relationship after that (more alcohol involved - will I never learn?), I finally have the greatest guy ever. He doesn't drink, he worships the ground I walk on, he loves me for who I am and he makes me smile. I'm thankful for having been granted the opportunity to love again - this time for real.

[Dawn]

I think you have given me a few more ideas to drawn on when I think I have nothing less..

[Hayden Tompkins]

"Stars are like rebel diamonds cut out of the sun."

Um, WOW. That is amazing! Also, can I just tell you how thrilled I am that you added "water". I love water...I mean LOVE. It literally creates the beauty from which we draw life.

Like liquid awesome cut from the clouds?

[Syd]

Dani, this is a great list and a great idea. Hope that you had a great Thanksgiving.

[Positively Present]

Ilde - That doesn't sound silly at all! What a wonderful thing to be thankful for. And, as someone who has had her fair share of alcoholics in her life, it's a wonderful relief to be able to share your time with someone who is sober (aka, real!) and who truly loves you. I'm so happy for you!

Dawn - Awesome! I'm glad this post provided some inspiration for you.

Hayden - Isn't that an awesome quote? I think of it every time I'm looking up at the stars (which is often!). I was debating about the water one, but I'm so glad you like it so much! It's an important thing that I often take for granted.

Syd - Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. I had a great Thanksgiving (for once there were vegetarian options!). I hope your Thanksgiving went well and that you're doing okay. My thoughts are with you!

[Rocky]

I am also thankful for the fact that I've taken the initiative to work less at my job to spend more time at the things I love doing. It feels great!

1. "Life. How cool is that I'm actually here, in this world, living? "

we are all so lucky =)

[Positively Present]

Rocky - That's a great thing to be thankful for. You should be living life the way you want to and doing things that make you happy. We really are all pretty lucky! :)

[Liz]

I'm thankful to my mom for teaching me to be strong.

[Stephen - Rat Race Trap]

Dani, why am I not surprised that YOUR list is 100 :-)

I'm thankful for you and for the fact you "summed" it up to 100.

[Catherine]

Thanks for sharing your gratitude list, Dani. Right now I'm so grateful for my husband, that I'm living in Berlin, and together they're giving me time away from working to dream about a new future. For the apartment we're renting - perfect. And talking of water - a great one to add, so important - I'm grateful for tea and coffee, and that I can swim - in pools, lakes, rivers, sea, ocean - love it! Happy Thanksgiving!

[knallan]

Thanks for making me smile, I enjoyed reading this. What I'm really thankful is that I don't know everything (and probably never will, which I'm also thankful for), and I learn something new at least every week.

I really loved 98. "Enthusiasm. Life's too short to sit around being bored so get into it!" as that's what I'm trying to learn and live by!

[michellespidermonkey]

In my blog post yesterday (http://spidermonkeytales.blogspot.com/2009/11/thanksgiving.html) I had a list of things I was thankful for--as well as links to your previous gratitude posts.

Just wanted to say that I am also grateful for reading your blog! It's one of the most inspiring that I've come across!

[A. Simplicity]

So much inspiration; thank you for sharing :) and for your support and for your wonderful blog!!

[Positively Present]

Liz - Mom's are great, aren't they? My mom's taught me a lot about strength as well and I'm so grateful for that!

Stephen - Haha, yeah, I have a lot of things to say, don't I? I'm glad you liked the summed up list!

Catherine - Sounds like you have some wonderful things to be thankful for. Thank you so much for sharing them with us! Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

Knallan - I'm so happy this made you smile. I love what you wrote about not knowing everything. I'm thankful for that too. I love learning new things and I know there will ALWAYS be something new to learn!

Michelle - I'm looking forward to checking out your list! :) I'm so glad you like reading Positively Present. Comments like the one you left inspire me, so thank YOU!

A.Simplicity - You're welcome! Thank you for your support as well!

[Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord]

Hi, Dani!

I'm grateful for my eyes, which let me read cool posts like this one. I'm grateful for all six of my senses, actually (yep, even that otherworldly one). I'm grateful for rainbows, glitter and compliments, too! I'm most grateful for the almighty healing properties of love, though. Mmm... Nothing like it in the world.

On that note, much love to you!

[Diggy - Upgradereality.com]

Hey Dani!

Really enjoyed this post! It must have taken you long to come up with 100 things. :)

Happy Thanksgiving to you too! We don't celebrate it here in South Africa!
CiaoCiao

[Positively Present]

Megan - Much love to you too! I love the things you mentioned in your comment. So many great things to be grateful for!

Diggy - Thanks! So glad you liked it. It wasn't too hard to come up with 100 -- more hard to narrow it down to 100! Haha.

[Lance]

Dani,
Love this post!! You just shine with true examples of all there really is to be thankful for! And it all puts an extra bounce in my step! I am thankful for you, and the energy and love you bring into the world!

[Positively Present]

Lance - Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed this post. :) I'm thankful for you too -- thanks for being such a great reader/commenter/blog writer!

[Belinda Munoz]

Beautiful, Dani. Thanks for making me smile.

[Positively Present]

Belinda - You're welcome! Thank YOU for your comment and your support of Positively Present. :)

[J.D. Meier]

I'm a fan of wonderlands, especially winter wonderlands.

There's something about a blanket of white and crystal that creates an ambiance that you just can't get any other way.

[Positively Present]

J.D. - It's so true! There's just something completely magical about winter wonderlands... I love them!

[Sami - Life, Laughs & Lemmings]

Dani, that is a truly stunning list. Loved them all but the paw prints made me smile.

By the way, I am grateful for Positively Present!

[Positively Present]

Sami - Thank you! Paw prints are pretty important to me. :) I'm really grateful for you as a loyal reader and a creator of RAOKA. Thank you!

[david]

Thanks for the Gratitude Stream love...also avail on the iPhone too!

[Positively Present]

David - You're welcome! I wish I had an iPhone so I could have it on there! :)