Thankful Thursday: 30 Days of Gratitude Days 1 through 8

Welcome to our first Thankful Thursday. As we mentioned last week, Jennifer and I decided to join in Positively Present’s 30 Days of Gratitude Photo Challenge, and do a weekly “Thankful Thursday” blog post to share our photos of the objects of our gratitude. The challenge suggests what to take photos of, which has been a fun gratitude twist for me. I am in the habit of sharing my daily gratitude (via email and this time of year, also in my Get Organized for the Holidays online workshop). But this challenge has caused me to think more deeply about very specific things and recognize how these things benefit my life. It has been quite fun…and we’re only 8 days into it! Let’s get to the thankfulness…

Day 1: Words

A big part of what I do for a living is writing, so it goes without saying that I’m extremely grateful for words. And I’m even more grateful for the people who read my words.

Day 2: Technology

You may know this about me, but I’m really not the most techie person around. I am grateful, however, that technology helps connect me with people I love via Facebook, texting, and phone calls. But my newest object of technology gratitude is my running app. This app helped me track my October running goal, and it really helped solidify my love of running. Who knew technology could be good for the mind and body?

Day 3: Nature

I’m not exactly what you would consider a nature girl either (my sister claimed that gene in our family), but I am grateful for the gifts of nature, especially those found through the changing seasons. This fall I’ve been more up close and personal with nature because I have spent so much time running outside. I’m grateful that running has allowed me to appreciate nature such as changing leaves, deer crossing on the road just ahead of me, and clear skies that suddenly changed to ominous stormy skies. (And I’m really grateful I went for a short run that night, and got home before the skies opened up!)

Day 4: Clothing

I’m grateful for clothing that keeps me warm during these cool fall days. And I’m especially grateful for this cozy sweatshirt and all the trouble my sister went through getting it for me.

Day 5: Knowledge

I’m grateful for books and for people who share their knowledge through books. I’m grateful for the author of these books, Scott Stratten, who has the amazing and rare ability to share knowledge and humor all in one package. Finally, I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my knowledge with others via simplify 101—a big, heartfelt thanks for that one.

Day 6: Memories

I have never been more grateful for memories than I am now. It is memories that get me through those empty-as-a-drum days when I miss my sweet daddy oh so much.

Day 7: Innovation

I am grateful for innovation and the ways it makes my life easier. It boggles my brain, really, the innovations that have happened just in my lifetime! I’ve gone from a time when computer programming was done via punch cards to a time when I can connect with people all over the world via an iPad (and pin stuff using the same handy device!) Innovation—what’s not to love?

Day 8: Sleep

I am grateful for sleep and the way it restores my body, mind and soul. I’m also grateful for the incredible sweetness of a sleeping child.

I’m also really grateful for everyone who is joining us in this challenge! We’ve been pinning images to our 30 Day Gratitude Challenge pinboard, and it has been so fun to see what you are grateful for! Thanks for joining the fun. If you haven’t started yet, or you’ve fallen behind, no worries! Just jump in where you are. If you’re wondering how you can join in the fun, the best way is to upload your images to instagram using the hashtags #simplify101 and #gratitude30. Let us know if you have any questions or comments.

Thanks!