list 100 things for which I am grateful

When I adopted this goal back on July 15th (over two months ago), I thought I would have finished this goal within a month’s time. I was hoping that completing this goal would be a contributing factor and catalyst for another goal. Well, that other goal didn’t come to fruition, and seeing the status of this goal, it’s not hard to fathom why.

I’ve lost my focus on being consciously grateful for the little and the big things in my life. So I do need to get back to this, for my own sake.

21.) I am grateful that I have not been directly harmed, nor anyone I am close to, by the recent slate of fires that have been plaguing California state, both southern and northern. It is quite a big state to have caught on fire.

22.) I am grateful that nothing happened to me, nor anyone I am close to, in the earthquake that rocked my world for a few seconds this morning! Wow, I felt that one.

23.) I am grateful that my cell phone worked for most of the calls I made to check and update loved ones this morning after the earthquake.

24.) I am grateful that I calmly rode the earthquake out, and ended up going to lunch with friends to share our individual experiences of the event.

25.) I am grateful that I am constantly learning, particularly through this site. I’m glad I found a more purposeful social networking site than one that just connects people for no specific reason other than to promote something (although those can be a wonderful outlet for some people to begin to express themselves).

26.) I am grateful that I got to see The Dark Knight in an IMAX theatre, and in a small city in Indiana, no less.

27.) I am grateful that I got to see my 7 year old niece water ski for her first time. Even though she is not my own child, it was a precious moment.

28.) I am grateful that my 14 year old niece – who looks every bit of 19 – has not gotten into any trouble and is still respectful to her family.

29.) I am grateful that the people I know who have abused drugs and/or alcohol are currently still healthy.

30.) I am grateful to have a roof over my head when some people don’t, even though keeping it clean is currently such a major effort for me that I have to work on it as a goal.

19.) I am grateful to the people that helped me to restore my power when I returned from vacation.

20.) I am grateful to the person who helped me realize to face my debts rather than ignore them.

11.) I am grateful that I made it safely to my vacation destination and that I am having an enjoyable time.

12.) I am grateful that water is sometimes sweet to the taste, making it a desirable thirst quencher.

13.) I am grateful that unlucky number 13 is only a superstition that has not brought much harm and downfall in my life.

14.) I am grateful that both my arms and both my legs work well (as I have friends who are in physical therapy).

15.) I am grateful that I find an occasional swim refreshing.

16.) I am grateful for blueberry muffins, as they just make me happy.

17.) I am grateful that this computer works fine 2,000 miles from its original location.

18.) I am grateful to spend time in the company of people under the age of 10. They can be temperamental and mischievous, but every precious and funny moment with them is worth the former.

1.) I am grateful to 43 Things for making me feel connected to people I’ve never met, while I am attempting to accomplish some things in my life.

2.) I am grateful that I have a very supportive extended family.

3.) I am grateful that music makes me feel good, deep down to the roots of my soul.

4.) I am grateful that my ten year old car is still working, and to the people that have recently helped make that happen.

5.) I am grateful that my mother is still not only alive, but kicking.

6.) I am grateful that I am a decent speller.

7.) I am grateful that I care about spelling and grammar, and that words matter to me.

8.) I am grateful that I can still talk (as people close to me have lost that ability).

9.) I am grateful that there are colors in the world, instead of being in black and white and shades of grey.

10.) I am grateful that my favorite football team had a winning record last year.

From the early days of computing, there is an acronym word, GIGO – Garbage In Garbage Out.

I need to find grace in this world. And if I expect for the world to send out positive things to me, then I have to start putting in positive thoughts to the world.

So doing this list is as direct as it gets for me.