A Gratitude List

My son Matt and I exchange a gratitude list every day. At sunrise I’m in my rocker with a mug of coffee topped with a deep layer of white foam. Wrapped in a soft pink robe and fuzzy socks, I wait for the sun to slip over the edge of the earth. As it ascends, I write a gratitude list and send it to Matt.

My gratitude evaporates quickly. I focus on the task and not the heart of the matter. After three months of sharing gratitude lists with Matt, I understand my mistake. A gratitude list is nothing more than a series of random thoughts until you feel them, and feeling takes time. A grateful heart has roots.

Scientists are studying the physical benefits of being grateful. Results indicate it’s a stress reducer, mood lifter and sleep enhancer. For me, being grateful is soothing and spirit cleansing.

I took another look at the gratitude list I sent Matt this morning. It was a grade A list, full of optimism and joy. By 5:00pm I’d lost every grateful thought. The day’s difficulties became the lead story. It was a shocking discovery. How could I be in a sour mood when I was happy and grateful only hours before? Clearly, practicing gratitude takes more effort.

Matt has a thriving gratitude practice. He’s been writing lists for over two years and sends me four-star reflections. He lives in gratitude far more often than me. Right now, I classify myself as a gratitude beginner. I write a list every day, but I don’t reread them regularly. When I do, I realize that most days are better than we think. Gratitude is an equalizer. Take time to be grateful, and you’ll never have a completely bad day.

Today’s Gratitude List

Watching the sunrise on our balcony

Seeing orange mint growing like a weed

Oatmeal with walnuts and dried cherries

Staring deeply at our little dog Mae’s big, anxious eyes

The blue sky

A quiet room

Matt, just as he is now.

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