Smile

What makes you smile?

1. A child laughing? 
2. Water on your face? 
3. A big hug? 
4. A high five?
5. A mountain lake?
6. A sandy beach?
7. A beautiful dress?
8. An amazing find at the thrift store?
9. The wind blowing across your face?
10. A note in the mail?
11. A good book?
12. Sitting next to a bonfire?

What are some of your favorite things?

1. Christmas morning?
2. A cup of coffee?
3. Journaling in a coffee shop?
4. A good movie?
5. Spending time with friends?
6. Hiking in the mountains?
7. Swimming?
8. Playing a sport?
9. Learning something new?
10. Talking to people?
11. Cooking your favorite dish?
12. Playing an instrument?

What are you thankful for today?

1. A roof over your head?
2. Water to drink?
3. A bed to sleep in?
4. A warm shower?
5. Food in the refridgerator?
6. The weather (I love sunny and cloudy weather...sometimes I have to choose to love it!)
7. The ability to listen to music?
8. Internet access?
9. Shoes on your feet?
10. A street to walk on?
11. A bird singing?
12. A chair to sit on?

There are so many things to enjoy and be thankful for. There are SO MANY reasons to smile. I used to take a notebook and write lists like this...up to three pages at a time. It really helped me to gain perspective. For sure, it wasn't always easy, but once I got going I could think of many things. I would always start with the most simple things...like ''I am wearing shoes. Not everyone has shoes. This is something I should be thankful for.'' Or, ''I heard a bird outside today, reminding me of beauty and goodness. I should be thankful for that.'' Starting with even the most simple things is good.