Saturday, June 1, 2013

ABCs of Gratitude

One of the sessions at the conference I attended back in April dealt with thinking positively, staying inspired, and preventing yourself from burning out.  It was a fantastic session and I absolutely adored the presenter.  I actually stayed for her later session on a different topic and emailed her after the conference to thank her, because I didn't think I could do so in person without crying.  I was still struggling with depression at the time and this session was really something I needed.  I took a lot away from it and thought I would share one of the things I learned that I have put into practice whenever I'm feeling negative or having a pity party for myself.  I've found that this is really great for those nights when I can't fall asleep too.  The title pretty much explains itself.  Start at the beginning of the alphabet and name something or someone that starts with each letter for which you are grateful.  It doesn't have to be anything too profound, it just helps to acknowledge all the good things in your life.  I always fall asleep before finishing, but see if you can get to Z!

Here's a list from me:

  • Art
  • Boys -specifically my boys!
  • Chocolate
  • Donnie
  • English Muffins -I eat one everyday!
  • Friends
  • Grandparents
  • Hello Kitty
  • Iced tea
  • Jan and Jill -They're my super awesome aunts!
  • Koalas -Have you noticed how cute they are?!  I dare you to look at one and not be happy!
  • Lists- I'm making one right now!
  • Mom
  • Nachos -Freaking delicious!
  • Old houses, mine in particular
  • Peter -That's my Aussie mate.  He's the best!
  • Quilts
  • Ralph -my grandpa and my rotten dog!
  • Siblings
  • Tyrion Lannister -If you watch Game of Thrones, you should be thankful for him too!
  • Umbrellas
  • Vintage kitchenware
  • Weekends
  • Xylophone -I recently got the boys a little vintage Fisher Price one.  $4 well spent!
  • Yard sales
  • Zucchini

8 comments:

  1. There is always something to be thankful for, your list is great! You are lucky, my parents have passed away,needless to say I have no grandparents left and not a sibling to be had!! But, I have a wonderful husband and two great kids!��

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    1. Thank you, Jill! I think it's important to take some time every so often to remind ourselves of all the good things in life!

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  2. I love your list. Especially Tyrion. I want to add Blythe dolls to it. My friends think I am bonkers when I mention them and so I love to read your blog because it cheers me. I am also a huge fan of Kid Robot and love to see them on someone else's shelves other than my own. :)

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    1. Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog! I am definitely grateful for Blythe too! Do you have many dolls? My dolls and toys always manage to make me happy!

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    2. I currently have 3 dolls. I recently purchased tickets to BlytheCon 2013 in NYC and I am super excited! I need some accessories. My latest doll is "simply lilac" which I picked solely based on her awesome boots! Silly, right? Only I think her hair is a little disappointing. Kind of wonky! Maybe it will get a little better the longer she is out of the box. Let me know if you are going to BlytheCon and maybe we can meet for tea. :)

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    3. Oh I am going to BlytheCon! How far do you have to travel? My friends and I are taking a train up for the weekend. If you like, you can email me at mollyeallen@gmail.com. I love re-ment stuff for my dolls and have found some cute things on Etsy. I also am lucky to have all of my old Barbie things, so some of those work well.

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  3. OK...
    List the alphabet vertically...then move horizontally right or left based on your creativity...expand your list on what your thankful for...
    I do this exercise frequently w/my students... "Things I enjoy in life"
    Here is an example...

    Biscotti,Black-eyed susans,Bacon sandwiches B blueberries, beach walks,Beagle pups

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    1. That's a great idea! I could probably fill a page in my journal with each letter!!

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