Gratitude Attitude

by Tonia

“Life is like a sewer... what you get out of it depends on what you put into it.”
- Tom Lehrer

“I feel a very unusual sensation - if it is not indigestion, I think it must be gratitude.” – Benjamin Disraeli

I was recently challenged by a friend to consider writing down three gratitudes each day. I guess research shows that gratitude is linked to life satisfaction, self-esteem, hope, empathy and vitality. Who couldn’t use more of that?? My friend and I decided to text our gratitudes to each other for accountability. Crap - now I really had to do it! But I’m a big believer in positive thinking – positive thinking with a big irreverent, provocative twist. Here are some of my gratitudes:

I am grateful….

…..when I’ve peed just prior to a good laugh. It saves laundry.

…..that I am at an age where I can afford good vodka instead of that fermented potato water crap.

…..that no one can read the thought bubbles in my head. It saves me from sexual harassment charges.

…..for long-lasting batteries in my vibrator because … well, sometimes it just takes awhile ...

…..for the words “Fuck” and “Shit” because “Douchfart” and “Syphilis Stick” take too long to say and “Darn” just isn’t satisfying.

…..that long shirts are back in style because my muffin top just isn’t Pillsbury Boy cute.

…..for indoor plumbing - otherwise I’d be in deep shit more than I already am.

…..that no one shows up for my pity parties. They’re not Estrofests fun.

…..for the ability to laugh at myself because I never cease to be amused and entertained.

But I really do believe in intentional gratitude. So encourage your girlfriends to take the 30 Day Gratitude Challenge. Have them keep a daily journal of personal gratitudes and  then throw a party at the end of the 30 days to talk about it.

Ask everyone to bring a dish that they are grateful for. Create a gratitude tree as a decoration. Write each girlfriends name on a leaf and what you appreciate about her. Then talk about your journals. Here are some discussion questions:

- What did you learn about yourself as you wrote down daily gratitudes?

- What were the obstacles to keeping the journal? How did you overcome them? What does that say about you?

- Did you ever reflect back on previous gratitudes once you had written them down? What was that like?

- Did you ever share your gratitidudes with anyone? Who? Why? What was the outcome?

- Did you see any themes in your gratitudes (people, abilities, objects, etc)? What do you think this says about you?

Now tell us what YOU are grateful for in the comments below!

“You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day. This is a power you can cultivate. If you want to control things in your life, work on the mind.” – Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love