Inspiration: Gratitude List vs. New Year's Resolutions

There’s Nothing Wrong with New Year’s Resolutions, but…

I’m not saying I don’t have a few New Year’s Resolutions in mind. I’m always setting new goals for myself and then working hard to achieve them. I think it’s important to look ahead for the year and make plans, then figure out how to move forward toward success. But this year I’m adding a new element, something a bit different.

Being Grateful

For quite a few years now, our family has had a tradition of filling out little slips of paper throughout the year, with notes about good news, nice things that happen, achievements, and celebrations. We put the slips of paper in a jar, and at the end of the year we take them out and read them, remembering all the things we’ve accomplished in the past year. You can read more about this tradition on my blog: Inspiration: Celebrate the New Year

But, I recently discovered a list that someone shared ( I apologize for not remembering who it was so I can give credit), but they made a list of daily chores, then told why it was a blessing they had those chores to do. It gave me a completely different mind-set and I decided to make my own list and share it here. Maybe it will inspire you to make your own Gratitude List!

Here is My Personal Gratitude List:

#1: Cleaning the house = we have a roof over our heads and safe place to live.

#2: Cleaning the bathroom = we have indoor plumbing – a luxury in many places.

#3: Grocery shopping = we have the money to provide food for meals.

#4: Cooking meals & washing dishes = we have fresh foods to create wholesome meals so we never go hungry, and running
water to clean-up afterwards.

#5: Doing Laundry = we have clothes to wear, and warm blankets for our beds.

#6: Making the bed = we have a soft, comfortable bed to sleep on every night.

#7: Cleaning the shower = we have a water heater. Believe me, with all the camping we do, this
one is a special luxury I don’t take for granted—ever!

#8: Yardwork = It’s so special to have a yard and garden area, so we can be outside and grow
some of our own foods. We can cook outside on the grill and have a campfire.

#9: Chopping firewood = we are blessed to have a fireplace where we can build warm, cozy fires
and keep warm, even during a power outage.

#10: Computer work for client websites = I’m so grateful for all the clients I have for my
home-based business. I don’t take any of them for granted!