a gratitude list

One of the best ways to cultivate an attitude of gratitude is to frequently write lists of things/people/elements of your life that you are grateful for. I am planning on regularly sharing highlights from my own life to inspire you to notice and appreciate all the special little things in yours!

Here is a list (by no means conclusive!) of things that have brought me joy this weekend:

• beautiful, warm, California weather at the end of October
  
  
• rocking out to my favorite tunes on my iPod while cleaning up my kitchen
  
  
• the old gentleman I pass almost every day on my run, who is always out working in his garage, smoking his pipe, and who greets me with a warm, big smile every time I pass him (today, I actually interrupted my run to chat with him for a minute, rather than just wave and shout a greeting in passing... it's good to take time to slow down in life every once in a while!)
  
  
• playing with my friend's adorable little kittens last night and remembering the joy I experienced as a little girl when I got to hold a purring cat
  
  
• discovering a great new sushi restaurant and savoring a lovely dinner with friends
  
  
• all the inspiring people in my life
  
  
• entertaining dinner guests with my husband
  
  
• my wonderful friends and family
  
  
• working in a field I am passionate about
  
  
• all the incredible people I've met and continue to meet along my way
  
  
• the few moments just before dinner guests arrive, when everything is clean and neat and delicious smells come wafting from the kitchen
  
  
• the satisfaction I get from having cleaned everything up at the end of a dinner party and going to bed knowing I will wake up to a clean kitchen
  
  
• you, for reading my blog and giving me a purpose for writing it!
  

Do the gratitude dance!

I would like to share with you a great way to instantly release tension and reduce stress levels. It is such an easy way to get yourself out of a funk and feeling better in no time! This simple technique will have you laughing (if only at yourself) in a matter of moments and make you wonder what had gotten you so bent out of shape in the first place!

Do the gratitude dance with a friend, significant other, or family member to disperse tension and create a tighter bond by sharing laughter and goofiness. Do it when you first wake up, do it when you get home from work, do it on your lunch break. Do it with your kids. Do it especially when you're feeling tense, but also do it when you're feeling good to maintain the feeling of well-being! Do it when you're angry, frustrated, or resentful. It is impossible to maintain a negative attitude when you're doing the gratitude dance! Do the dance often, and start reaping the benefits in your happiness level!