Thursday, November 15, 2007

Thankful Thursday

I've been wanting to do this for a while actually, but I never seemed to remember to do it. I'm a bit of a space cadet and my mind wanders. I hope to continue the trend, but we'll see what happens.

I've been struggling lately with a ton of negativity in my life, actually just negative people. There are a few individuals in particular that really have been the greatest sources of negativity. I have been listening to their complaints over every event in their lives, some big and some small, for months now and I'm just tired. I've tried hard to be supportive and uplifting to no avail. Now, I find myself slipping slowly into their habits. I REFUSE to let this happen. I've tried to remind them, and myself, that there are people with REAL problems and while it is okay to get frustrated sometimes, it is not okay to mope or constantly whine over the little things. I know, I know, it is hard for you to understand exactly what I mean when I have given very little detail. When I tell you little things, I mean it (i.e. getting totally ramped up over deciding what to cook for dinner).

So, in an effort to rid myself of the funky slime that has managed to ooze onto me, I'm going to start Thankful Thursday! I can always use reminders of how fortunate and lucky I am. It is a great way to keep myself in check.

Today I am thankful for:

1. my family (incl. my puppy)
2. my friends
3. the rain
4. my job
5. hot chocolate (what a morning yum!)
6. my senses
7. the lotion on my desk (winter weather isn't here yet, but winter skin sure is)
8. my homemade lasagna lunch
9. the ability to go to the doctor today for a check up without worry (some are unable)
10. my very reliable Honda
11. having the day off tomorrow (not sure what I'm doing yet, but I'm glad I have it)
12. warm clothes
13. almost being finished with my Christmas shopping
14. being able to go Christmas shopping
15. pay day
16. being able to pay my bills
17. an extremely wealthy client who has shown me that the grass isn't always greener just because you have greenbacks
18. the recycling bins in our office (I'm so glad we finally got everyone on board!)
19. those who are positive in my life that have helped me work toward being a more positive individual! I know it is a tough job changing me! :)
20. eager salespeople that bring me candy and food to win our business (they know their way to my heart)
21. The Kane Show (Hot 99.5)! I love these guys.
22. Clients that keep me on my toes! That is why I have to end this. :)

Have a great day! What are you thankful for today?

10 comments:

Ruhiyyih Rose said...

Oh I LOVE these. I agree that focusing on all that is going RIGHT rather than wrong is so much more fun, and healthier!

Today I am grateful for the ride to the metro from a roomie. That rain out there is ICKY! (But much needed!) and for some Cosi coffee :)

Bonita said...

I'm glad you are sensitive to 'toxic conversations'. Like a poison, they sour our energies, and it is good to set boundaries (yes, this can be hard to do). Fortunately, prayer is a good 'detox', and helps to smooth things out.

Here in the west we have so much to be thankful for, most especially our freedoms, of speech, of belief, of academic pursuits. We are free to explore, to quest, to ponder, and nothing stands in the way except our own inertia.

tiburon said...

Jess I LOVE this post. I had a VERY negative person in my life - I have even used the word toxic to describe her. After years of listening to her problems and negativity I just put an end to it. I didn't realize at the time how much I allowed her negativity to ooze into my own life.

I love Thankful Thursday and I love your list. I will have to put some thought into mine :)

Great post!

Unknown said...

great list, i totally need to do one!

mmandtt said...

Wow, you are so positive! For this moment, I am thankful for my friend who brought me a bottle of wine. I am thankful I have three lovely children, who are about to go to bed. I am thankful for my husband, who is out of town. And I am thankful for the next two hours I will have alone, drinking my wine and watching my shows. lol. Been a rough day, but trying to find the positive. Thanks!!!

Anonymous said...

Jess,
It is very hard to stay positive,especially when there are people in your life that aren't like that. But it's very easy to be negative, even when your not trying to be. That is what I am trying to change about me. You have inspired me to want to be better, by your achievements, by your determination. I didn't know this about you. But you are inspiring me.

99.5 would be hands down the best morning show ever! I must agree.

Things I am thankful for:

1. My family
2. A fiance, who I now understand is helping me to become a better person. A woman.
3. Having a relaxed,nice boss,and employee's at work

4. Knowing that there are some people who actually cares about ME

5. I'm not in the same mind set as a year ago

6. finally that today is Friday!!!!

Gina said...

I am thankful for good music and an extremely yummy lemon bar that awaits me.

Melissa said...

I love your "Thankful Thursday" idea. I will have to give it a shot. You are Awesome.

How are you feeling?

Jori said...

What a great post Jess! I think it is so important to focus on the good things in life.

Laura said...

That is a wonderful entry. What am I thankful for? Meeting people like you who are a source of unending support for this girl who was once cynical about meeting people over the internet. I hope you have a wonderful, positive weekend.