Gratitude List

[princessofburundi]

I called a crisis line tonight when my thoughts got really dark, and one of the things that the excellent counsellor made me realize is that although I am at a very low point in my life, that I have a lot to be grateful for. I don't think about that enough. He suggested making a gratitude list, and I'm going to do so here; no one needs to read it, although you're welcome to as well.

1. I live in Canada, a safe and democratic country, where no wars are being waged and where there's excellent universal healthcare.
   
2. I have a roof - a nice roof, at that - over my head.
   
3. Even on bad days when all I want to do is collapse into bed, I have a terrific bed, all comfy and soft, with fluffy pillows and warm blankets and high thread count Egyptian cotton sheets.
   
4. Teddy bears!
   
5. Super-soft snuggly blankets
   
6. Food to eat, healthy stuff, that's good for my body.
   
7. A roommate who is no trouble at all and who regularly brings me home pizza and chocolate and Diet Pepsi.
   
8. I have three healthy, happy children. And some guilt about that not being higher on the list.
   
9. I have cats! I am particularly grateful for Roo, who loves her mummy and cuddles her when she's sad.
   
10. I have a vacation to look forward to, and new places to see, and a mum to enjoy the travels with.
    
11. I will be spending Christmas this year with my son in Vancouver, and with his fiancee's family, which will be super.
    
12. God. (That should have been first. Whoops!)
    
13. So many books.
    
14. A phone and money to pay the phone bill.
    
15. A car and money to put gas in it.
    
16. Intelligence.
    
17. A computer.
    
18. Clothes for the heat of summer and the bitter cold of winter.
    
19. A therapist, a social worker, and a psychiatrist! All for free!
    
    Wow. I have a lot, and I'm only just getting started. I feel decidedly less gloomy now.

Comments

[nonniemous]

I'm glad you reached out and that you have these kinds of resources!

***hugs***

I'm also very close to my children, and it is hard when they move with their lives and we are left behind.

[princessofburundi]

Thanks for the hugs.

It is a blessing to have such a good crisis line to call. I don't know where I'd be without it, quite frankly.

It is very difficult having my son on the other side of the country. I miss him terribly. I remember when they were all small and I was tired all of the time, and wishing that they would grow up so I could get more sleep - I didn't know at the time how lucky I was to have them at home. Are your children far away from you?

[nonniemous]

My children all live nearby, but if I see them once a month, I'm lucky. We stay connected on social media, but one of the reasons I wanted to move in a bit was to be able to see them a bit more often. Not sure that's going to work out, but se la vie.

**hugs**

[kristy]

Awesome Grateful list!

And, hugs, too.

[princessofburundi]

Thanks for the hugs!

The gratitude list really did help.

[kristy]

You're welcome. :)

[irish_dragon]

it does help. yay!

You could also try something like this. This helped me a lot when I was going through some low points in the last couple of years.

[princessofburundi]

Random acts of kindness - what a good idea! I'll see what I can do tomorrow. (I am unlikely to be interacting with any more people today.)

Yes, the gratitude list really did help. It's helped me since, as when I feel low, I try to turn my low feeling into more gratitude for the things I have around me.

[miss_s_b]

I am glad that worked.

[princessofburundi]

Thanks! So am I.

[norfolkian]

A good list. And glad you were able to access support and that it helped. *hugs*

[princessofburundi]

There are really good mental health services where I live, so I'm very fortunate. The gratitude list really did help.

[this_ascension]

*hug* I made one of these lists a few months ago, and it has helped me a lot.

[princessofburundi]

Thanks for the hug.

They are helpful, aren't they? They put into perspective how much we really have, especially in comparison to people living in poor and undeveloped countries.

[this_ascension]

Any time you need a hug, I will be glad to give. :)

Exactly. Helps me to take time to be grateful for the little things, which are not so little at all.