Daily Cascade

Counting My Blessings...

“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.”
Willie Nelson
In what ways can we count our blessings and feel thankful?

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I tend to agree with Willie Nelson. Several years ago, I started writing about the good in my day, every night, in a journal. Then it became a habit. To this day, I keep such journals. Although my counting blessings, or rather thanking-God journal, is nothing more than a small lined 3x5 notebook. Over the years, I used quite a few of such notebooks, all filled up.

It isn't that every single day I'm on cloud nine, but I have come to live with things well enough and handle life's difficulties much better than earlier in my life.

Journaling, however, is only one way. I've read and heard that there are other ways also; such as reflecting on the present moment by noticing a sunny day or the beauty of the rain, a kind gesture of a person, or even something that tasted good. This is because when we find things to appreciate in the present moment, that appreciation calms down, at least to a degree, bigger upsets and trials we are facing.

If I run out of ideas or I am too dumb to notice the good in the world, then gratitude prompts do help. For example one of them says, "Who made me smile today?" These prompts are abundant on the web. Just a simple browser search opens up new possibilities.

Also, as cliche as it sounds, there is a silver lining in each cloud, i.e. difficulties. This is because challenges, sometimes help us grow by opening up unexpected avenues and new possibilities.

Another important thing to keep in mind is finding out what's important for me at the moment. This is best done if I avoid comparing me to others. This way I can avoid feelings of envy or disappointment in myself.

Some people I know create gratitude jars and others like me keep journals. It doesn't matter the means we use. What matters and really works is, when we actively practice gratitude for just about everything, this makes us notice and enjoy the blessings in our lives.