When you encounter adverse situations in your life, how do you handle them? This is an important question that can tell you a lot about one’s character. One thing I need to remember to do when life isn’t filled with roses, rainbows, and sunshine is to remind myself to be thankful and grateful for the good I have and will continue to experience. Below I’m going to list 10 things in my life that invoke a sense of gratitude. Let this inspire you to do the same so that you can continue to be strong in mind and spirit.
1. My family and I are in relatively excellent health.
2. I have a healthy, loving German Shepherd, and three healthy, loving cats.
3. I have a guaranteed roof over my head and furthermore, I have owned my house for three years.
4. I am working on finishing my Ph.D. I already have a M.A. (A privilege that some people, especially women, in other parts of the world can only dream about).
5. I am allowed to freely speak and discuss, both with my friends and as a teacher, things political and controversial without fearing harmful consequences for myself and/or loved ones.
6. I am not socially isolated and I have the opportunity to meet new interesting and exciting people everyday.
7. I have friends who have been a part of my life for over 20 years.
8. I have people in my life who care about me and are willing to help me through difficult situations.
9. I have a job that I enjoy and that is allowing me to learn a new set of professional skills, yet be creative at the same time.
10. I do not have to experience the terror of war or any other imminent danger on a daily basis.
