77 Things To Be Thankful For
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

77 Things To Be Thankful For When You're Short On Gratitude

43. The feeling of clean sheets (esp. on freshly shaved and moisturized legs)

140
77 Things To Be Thankful For When You're Short On Gratitude
@kristinjohns/Instagram

Gratefulness is hard. No one would dare contest that point. All life is inherently selfish! Our primal instincts tell us to fend for ourselves, put in minimal effort, and disregard the well-being of others. This world tells us to always strive for bigger and better. It is all too easy to give in to those tendencies, especially in times of hardship. But some of the happiest times in my life were when I put my self-serving mindest aside and asked God to make me truly thankful for the people, places and things in my life at that moment.

Lately, I have found myself sliding down the spiral of ungratefulness once again, so I compiled a list of things I (and others) can meditate on to inspire a spirit of gratitude. I understand that these do not apply to everyone, and not all of them apply to me, but they can always be replaced with something that does. Get creative!

1. Jesus' gift of salvation

2. Freedom and safety granted me by my country

3. Clean, weather-appropriate clothing

4. A roof over my head

5. Heating/cooling systems

6. Financial stability

7. Two married parents who love each other and their children

8. My siblings

9. My bed

10. Access to clean water

11. Owning a physical copy of the Bible

12. My best friend

13. Graduating high school

14. Pursuing higher education

15. Electronic devices and access to connectivity

16. A relatively healthy body

17. My talents, passions, and spiritual gifts

18. Happy, beautiful memories

19. Electricity in my home

20. My car

21. Access to food that nourishes my body

22. Hot tea/coffee

23. My favorite movie

24. Sunny days

25. Rainy days (for acoustic music and contemplation)

26. Sleeping in

27. The ability to read and write

28. The ability to speak English

29. Alone time

30. Laughter

31. My church family

32. Hugs and kisses

33. Access to hot water

34. My shower

35. Oxygen

36. Pets

37. Employment

38. Love

39. Lessons learned

40. Access to books

41. Traditions and values

42. The ability to change

43. The feeling of clean sheets (esp. on freshly shaved and moisturized legs)

44. Access to period products

45. Health insurance

46. Life itself

47. My heroes

48. Teachers who care

49. Singing

50. Dancing

51. Art

52. Imagination

53. Extended family

54. Music

55. Nature

56. Chocolate

57. Hopes, dreams, and aspirations

58. The ability to chase said hopes, dreams, and aspirations

59. Facetime/Skype

60. Surprises

61. Modern medicine

62. Winning

63. Good hair days

64. Free stuff

65. Individuality

66. The four seasons

67. Forgiveness

68. My passport

69. My driver's license

70. Generosity

71. Life after death

72. Spouse/significant other

73. Access to indoor plumbing

74. Grocery stores

75. The beach

76. My favorite city

77. The postal service

May everyone find something in this small list to cling to in times of hopeless and doubt.

“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for."

—Zig Ziglar

Report this Content
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

53779
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34624
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957048
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181732
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments