Social Question

longgone's avatar

Would you like to help me look for positives?

Asked by longgone (19540points) November 22nd, 2015

I listened to this TED Talk, and liked what is being said at 11:00. Achor describes how finding three things to be grateful for will help your brain focus on finding what’s good about life. I’m curious whether that will change my outlook, and I’d like to try it. I think it’ll be easier to do if I have a thread to remind me. Want to join in? You will have to find three new things to be grateful for, 21 days in a row. That’s to make it a habit.

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116 Answers

Earthbound_Misfit's avatar

I think this is a great idea. So we post them here each day?

1. I have healthy, happy children.
2. I have a partner who loves me and treats me very well.
3. I have a job with tenure that allows me great freedom and flexibility. Sometimes, because it’s a very busy job, I can lose sight of the very many positives my job has.

longgone's avatar

Yes, that’s the plan. You’re quick. All right, then:

1. My family believes in me.
2. I am able to make my own schedule.
3. I have a comfortable apartment I feel safe in.

Jeruba's avatar

1. Indoor plumbing.
2. Electrical power.
3. Adhesives.

CunningFox's avatar

1. Thanksgiving is coming and that means FOOD!!!
2. I get to have a movie night tonight.
3. I got a cute photo of my dog today.

2davidc8's avatar

I’ve heard of this concept before, and it’s supposed to be very helpful. But the exercise is slightly different than described. What you’re supposed to do is, at the end of each day, reflect on 3 things that went well, or that you were happy with, that day, and think of WHY that was so, and what caused each event to be a good thing. In other words, what was the root cause that made it turn out well. Then keep a mental note of that and see if you can make that happen again in the future when a similar occasion once again presents itself. This is supposed to lead to a happier life.

ARE_you_kidding_me's avatar

Above ground…check
not starving…check
free from intense pain…check

Mimishu1995's avatar

1. I live in a more quiet area than the rest of the city.
2. I have no criminal record.
3. I am an established member of Fluther.

Somehow I find if hard to write down. Guess this thread will benefit me too.

Cruiser's avatar

@longgone That is one of the best Ted Talks I have ever seen…thanks for sharing.

1. Health
2. Family
3. Big block V-8’s

ibstubro's avatar

1. The weather warmed up considerably.
2. Had a nice visit with the neighbor’s visiting mother (who is often a bit much to take).
3. I had the house and the day completely to myself.

I would watch the Ted Talk but I’ve really pushed my internet usage today. Streamed the Moth Hour on NPR, and other shows.
I will be on the road 2–4 days this week and without internet access. Maybe I can jot them down and catch up later.

funkdaddy's avatar

1. New client – have to remember that new work is a good thing, even if it makes you busy
2. Everyone (in my little family) is completely healthy at the same time for the first time since we became 4
3. my daughter is starting to make connections beyond what we tell her directly, and loves hugs (“good ones have to be close”)

@2davidc8 – the study referenced seems to call for just a simple list of gratitudes in this case, but I’m sure that exercise works in almost the same way. The difference might be a simple list is easier to share with others here, and easier to commit to for 21 days, so more people will stick with it.

Haleth's avatar

1. I’m warm, well-fed, and have a safe place to live.
2. I was born in a time and place when women have opportunities. I’m not expected to be a wife and mother by default; I can get more education, change careers, go after more income, own property, start a business, or basically do whatever I want to develop myself professionally.
3. I joined AA and met a bunch of amazing women there. A couple years ago I was in a terrible, isolating relationship that revolved around alcohol. I’m becoming happier and healthier every day.

JLeslie's avatar

1. Shelter that is warm inside.
2. Quitting my job.
3. Helpful people around me.

longgone's avatar

Day 2:

1. My sisters and I get along exceptionally well, and I love the fact that I can trust both of them to be on my side.
2. I’m on my way to the doctor, and as I do every time it comes to mind, I appreciate the health care system I benefit from.
3. I have warm coats and boots to wear in the upcoming winter.

@2davidc8 Sounds good – that may be my next challenge!
@Cruiser Glad you liked it!

Jeruba's avatar

Day 2:

4. A home that has a floor, walls, and a roof.
5. Central heating.
6. Refrigeration.

Cruiser's avatar

Day 2

Employees showed up to work
Customers are placing orders
My 16 yr old is getting straight A’s in school.

Earthbound_Misfit's avatar

Day 2

That I can access dental and other healthcare with ease.
That antibiotics were invented.
That another of my papers will be published.

Mimishu1995's avatar

Day 2
1. I was offered a job which is expected to begin after my finals exam.
2. There are people who come to me for help.
3. I have my health with me.

ibstubro's avatar

Congrats on the job, @Mimishu1995!

Day 2:
1. I checked one of my antique booths today, and I’m doing very well.
2. On the way home I looked up and the sky was so amazing I did a double take. Medium blue on the horizon shading to purple and finally to whispy brushstrokes of pink. A near full moon centered in the middle.
3. I’ve never hit a deer. (The neighbor is 3 deer/3 vehicles. Ouch.)

funkdaddy's avatar

Day 2:

1) My lady is pretty awesome, and just keeps doing everything she needs to without the usual worry and hubbub. Glad I have her.
2) My dad is coming to visit for Christmas.
3) Broadband internet is truly an amazing thing.

longgone's avatar

Day 3:

1. I can read and write.
2. I have a lovely old dog who shows me what’s important – snoozing, food, and friends.
3. I have an amazing young dog who reminds me what is also important: Cramming as much fun into the day as possible.

Jeruba's avatar

Day 3:

7. Modern dentistry.
8. The alphabet and writing systems.
9. Books.

Mimishu1995's avatar

Day 3
1. I go to a college.
2. I have some common sense, enough to know what’s right and wrong.
3. I live in a generally safe neighborhood and can go out at night without fear.

funkdaddy's avatar

Day 3:

1. 20-hour days are still possible, but not necessary as often.
2. My son seems to be an odd sort of empath and can detect me kissing his mother all the way across the house even when sleeping. I’m sure he’ll find a way to use his superpower for good.
3. Through some other magic, ripe, sweet, watermelons are still in the stores at the end of November. (I need some editing help on this one @Jeruba, the comma after witchcraft but before the list seems off)

Earthbound_Misfit's avatar

Day 3

I’m grateful for my ability to read and the many, many wonderful written stories I can enjoy.
I’m grateful I live in country where I have so many freedoms and quality of life. For instance, I have electricity and decent work conditions.
I’m grateful for my old dogs, who always make me feel so loved.

Jeruba's avatar

Day 4: things that foster my independence

10. The ability to drive.
11. A car and the availability of fuel.
12. Traffic laws.

longgone's avatar

Day 4:

1. I am within walking distance of four different woods.
2. I speak English, allowing me access to a much bigger world than those who only speak German live in.Wow, that was awkward. Not sure my English is that great.
3. I’ve found an awesome online community to participate in.

Jeruba's avatar

@longgone, a little awkward, true, but perfectly grammatical.

JLeslie's avatar

1. When people are nice to me.
2. When people exceed my expectations.
3. When people are competent in their job.

Earthbound_Misfit's avatar

Day 4

Seeing and hearing our local birdlife. I love waking in the morning to the chirping, chatter and because I’m in Australia, the squawking of the birds enjoying our garden.

The availability of fabulous foods. I can access foods from all over the world. Despite the diversity of food available to me, a simple pleasure is some cheese, bread and fruit, shared with good company.

A great positive for me is that I can access and afford to access great films at the cinema. I think I’ll go and see the new James Bond film this weekend.

Mimishu1995's avatar

Day 4:
1. I know three languages, and with them I can access more information than with only my mother tongue.
2. One of my favorite hobbies is collecting knowledge, and thanks to that at least I don’t just spend all day checking Facebook and gossips like my classmates.
3. I live in a country where torrenting is not illegal. That, along with my language knowledge, give me access to many useful resources that can never be found in my country.

longgone's avatar

Day 5:

1. I live in a part of the world which has four distinct seasons. I enjoy every change.
2. I can afford to wear clean clothes whenever I want to.
3. I have friends who know me very well, are always ready to listen, and can be trusted to both cheer me on and tell me when I am not being rational.

@Jeruba Thank you! I know I can trust your judgement there.

Jeruba's avatar

Day 5: things pertaining to food

13. Food options plentiful and varied.
14. A little space for a vegetable garden.
15. The means and ability to cook.

I think a lot about people who are homeless and living under conditions I really can’t imagine, especially during the colder weather. A lot of the things that I think about and feel thankful for are things that I would take for granted if I didn’t consciously consider the contrasts.

Earthbound_Misfit's avatar

Day 5.

I am so glad I have a swimming pool. It’s hot as hell here at the moment. I’m going to slide into that cool water very soon.

I’m thankful for easy access to the internet. Not only do I do my work online, but I can access so much information with ease. I can also keep in contact with friends and relatives.

I have a great garden. I look out on lots of trees and space. I can lie in bed at night and listen to the bats and possums and the wind blowing through the trees.

Mimishu1995's avatar

Day 5
1. I know what I want in life.
2. I live around supportive relatives.
3. I have my own vehicle and I can go anywhere I want.

JLeslie's avatar

1. Major home appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, and refrigerators.
2. Safe drinking water
3. DVR

funkdaddy's avatar

Day 5

1. My parents, super lucky on the parent lotto
2. Old friends who don’t care how bad I screw up, as long as I’m trying
3. my adopted home town, that has such a wide range of people and options

Jeruba's avatar

Day 5: people (part 1)

16. My husband
17. My elder son
18. My younger son

longgone's avatar

Day 6:

1. My health, and especially the ability to move around pain-free.
2. My options, which stem from being born with privileges such as being white and having relatively well-off parents.
3. The luxury of sleeping enough most nights.

Jeruba's avatar

Whoops, that should have been day 6 just above, items 16 – 18.

Mimishu1995's avatar

Day 6
1. I don’t follow trends, and I don’t have to worry about keeping up with the Jones.
2. Both of my parents are still alive and I still have support from them.
3. I have the internet and know various use of it beside Facebook.

Earthbound_Misfit's avatar

Day 6

1. I can travel to great places and spend time in different cities.
2. There are still many, many great films to see.
3. I have good friends I can spend time with.

Jeruba's avatar

Day 7: people (part 2)

19. Siblings.
20. Friends.
21. Uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Mimishu1995's avatar

Day 7
1. I live in a house.
2. I have my learning strategy, and it involves learning things within a week after the lesson. As a result I learn less hard than those procrastinating students.
3. I can vent. There are people out there who aren’t even allowed to vent.

longgone's avatar

Day 7

1. I am free of phobias.
2. I am lucky enough to only really dislike a small amount of the hours I work, and enjoy most.
3. I become excited at the idea of all there is left to learn, read, and get immersed in.

Mimishu1995's avatar

Day 8
1. I made a lot of mistakes, and I heard somwhere that it’s a good thing that mistakes are made by young people like me.
2. I manage to keep and develop my childhood fashion.
3. I can self teach, and much of the knowledge I have come from self teaching.

Earthbound_Misfit's avatar

Day 7

1. That we have fabulous restaurants and fresh produce in Australia.
2. Sydney Harbour and the time to sit and watch ferries coming and going, or even to hop on a ferry and to enjoy the beautiful of the harbour.
3. That there is no major conflict in our cities right now. People are just going about their day-to-day life, without fear.

Jeruba's avatar

Day 8: pleasures (part 1)

22. Literature.
23. Art.
24. Music.

Earthbound_Misfit's avatar

Day 8.

Wine. I don’t do it often, but it is lovely to be able to have a nice glass of wine at the end of the day.
Chocolate cake.
Finishing tasks that have been hanging over you. Yay!

Jeruba's avatar

Day 9: pleasures (part 2)

25. The seashore.
26. Distant mountains. Preferably without more than about 4000 feet beneath me.
27. Beautiful architecture.

Earthbound_Misfit's avatar

Day 9.

Sunshine. It’s such a beautiful day today.
Air conditioning. It’s also quite warm, but I have air con so I’m perfectly comfortable.
Clean water. I’m so lucky I can just turn on a tap and have a shower, or a cold drink of clean water.

Mimishu1995's avatar

Day 9
1. The weather is cool today.
2. I can sleep well.
3. The last time I was seriously ill was so long I can’t remember.

longgone's avatar

Day 8:

1. I can afford the glasses which allow me to see the world clearly.
2. Where I live, the threat of storms, earthquakes, etc., is almost negligible.
3. I’ve seen much of the world, considering my age.

Jeruba's avatar

Day 10: pleasures (part 3)

28. Ice cream.
29. Chocolate.
30. Old movies.

Mimishu1995's avatar

Day 10
1. I have enough to eat.
2. I draw some comics at school when I’m bored and they earn some popularity among my classmates.
3. I have a small vegetable garden where I can get clean veg anytime.

Earthbound_Misfit's avatar

Day 10

It’s raining. Given some places in Australia are suffering drought conditions, I feel glad to see this lovely rain.

Aeroplanes. I just travelled home on one. I love to travel, but I love coming home.

Tea, A good cup of tea is a joy.

longgone's avatar

Day 9

1. I was raised by compassionate parents, so I do not have to deal with the hate caused by racism, homophobia, sexism, etc.
2. I live in a neighbourhood safe enough for me to go out at night.
3. I have a grandma who is still rather young, and she is always ready to listen and help.

Jeruba's avatar

Day 11: things that are necessary for mobility

31. Working feet.
32. Working knees.
33. A working back.

All of those are compromised, in various ways: chronic lumbar pain, knee problems since about 1961 (surgery in 1976), hairline foot fracture, and more. So there’s pain and sometimes impairment. But they work, and I can get around under my own power. That is a huge, huge benefit and once that I don’t take for granted on any day, ever.

Mimishu1995's avatar

Day 11
1. I live in a country where racism is something strange (everyone looks the same anyway)
2. It’s warn today.
3. I can drink milk and eat milk product. There are people who can’t tolerate milk.

JLeslie's avatar

1. If I wake up tomorrow I’ll be grateful I didn’t have a stroke. Suddenly, my blood pressure is extremely high. Right now I’m grateful nothing horrible has happened already.

2. Very grateful for the wonderful lunch I had with girlfriends today.

3. I’m grateful my husband still answers the phone excited to hear from me.

longgone's avatar

Day 10:

1. I have the opportunity to sit in on (biology) lectures at my local university, for free.
2. I was exposed to lots of books and conversations throughout my childhood, so I am able to express my thoughts, both in writing and in speech.
3. I am not the least bit scared of being alone.

How did you guys gain a day on me?

Earthbound_Misfit's avatar

Day 11

That in the main, I don’t experience any serious discrimination in my life.

That gun crime isn’t a serious problem in my country.

That there is nothing I am not allowed to do because I am a woman.

JLeslie's avatar

1. I woke up! :)
2. Happy everything is signed off for the sale of my house.
3. Walked outside this morning and temperature was lovely. I’m going to sit outside for a spell and have my breakfast. This is my last month in the sunshine state before moving to the frozen tundra.

Jeruba's avatar

Day 12: senses and perception

34. Vision.
35. Hearing.
36. Touch.

Jeruba's avatar

@JLeslie, which frozen tundra, where?

JLeslie's avatar

I exaggerate. We are moving to Ohio.

Mimishu1995's avatar

Day 12
1. I have clean water.
2. I have a kind gramma who is still alive.
3. I have a private room at my house.

Jeruba's avatar

Day 13: senses and perception (part 2)

37. Taste.
38. Smell.
39. Consciousness.

Earthbound_Misfit's avatar

Day 12 (I have no idea if I’m up-to-date or behind!)

I have wonderfully supportive friends.
Today is Saturday and my husband and daughters are home with me.
I can still dance to music I love (badly, but it feels good anyway!)

longgone's avatar

Day 11:

1. I’m self-confident enough to stand up for my beliefs, for the most part.
2. I learned to like healthy food at a young age, so eating well is not much of an effort.
3. I am neither over-, nor underweight.

Brian1946's avatar

@Mimishu1995 ” I know three languages, and with them I can access more information than with only my mother tongue.” Is Japanese your third language?

Mimishu1995's avatar

@Brian1946 You know it already :p
Day 13
1. I can eat anything without worrying about my weight.
2. I’m not desperate enough to be lured to anything.
3. The environment around me is fresh.

Jeruba's avatar

Day 14: essentials

40. Water. Plentiful, clean water.
41. Dirt. Good old honest dirt.
42. Fire and fuel.

These really are worth thinking about. There’s hardly anything more valuable than the things we take for granted.

Earthbound_Misfit's avatar

Day 13

My cat loves me.
Toast and good marmalade.
My daughters. They’re such funny, lovely people.

Haleth's avatar

Learning how to manage my depression- I feel pretty good most of the time!
Starting a Cat Mom Book Club with one of the ladies in my building
A really nice chat with my sister in Turkey
New painting and writing ideas
A wacky holiday misadventure with my family
One of my colleagues looks like Channing Tatum, I enjoy watching him lift stuff and fetch things
My room looks super awesome, like a bohemian artist loft, and also I have one of those Billy Bass Singing Fish on the wall
My oldest friend and I texting each other silly non-sequiturs throughout the day

longgone's avatar

Day 12

1. I can afford to buy Christmas presents for those I care about.
2. I have access to electricity.
3. I am free to criticize the government.

Earthbound_Misfit's avatar

Day 14.

Whaling is no longer carried out in my country (I just saw The Heart of the Sea).
Our Christmas Tree is up and looking beautiful.
I have lots and lots to look forward to in 2016.

Mimishu1995's avatar

Day 14
1. I’m at the middle of my exam time. I am beginning to empty my head little by little.
2. There is still a lot of things to discover.
3. My English is improving I think.

Jeruba's avatar

Day 15: small, totally nonessential luxuries that I relish, with totally nonessential commentary

43. Being able to watch movies at home whenever I want.

Old guys like me remember having to go to the theater to see a movie. It was the only way to see things that weren’t years old. We could catch old ones on TV (if we had a TV), especially in the late hours, but there was no alternative to watching them when they were broadcast—no recording devices, no videotape devices, no DVDs. And plenty of commercials. Netflix represents a significant luxury (and I hate it that they delete old treasures from their inventory).

44. Kleenex. Disposable facial tissues, especially those with a little tensile strength.

When I was a little girl, a well-brought-up young lady carried a cloth handkerchief, preferably edged with lace. One of those was never sufficient for me; I was plagued by hay fever. Ah, those nickel packs of tissues—salvation! I have, however, been grateful that some gentlemen still do carry a clean white handkerchief and seem to know just when to produce and offer it.

45. Cellphone.

I never wanted to like it, and it isn’t a necessity at all. But I confess that I do use it more than I ever thought I would, and I like the feeling of security it gives me, as well as the convenience. Sometimes I even text members of my household from one room to another. I don’t have a smartphone, though, and don’t want one. I think we’re going to end up being very sorry that we’ve become so dependent on electronic devices and that we’ve had the bad judgment to link up their systems. This luxury may be a historic blip that simply doesn’t last very long.

JLeslie's avatar

1. Tampons. In my book one of the top 5 inventions of all time.

2. Reading glasses. I just started using them.

3. Thyroid medication. I’d be dead without it.

Jeruba's avatar

@JLeslie, feminine personal products are definitely on my list.

longgone's avatar

Day 13:

1. I know how to cook my own meals. Nothing fancy, but I can definitely provide myself with healthy and tasty meals.
2. I do not suffer from any addictions.
3. All my senses are in working order.

Mimishu1995's avatar

Day 15
1. I have access to healthy food.
2. I don’t live during war time.
3. I have electricity.

Jeruba's avatar

Day 16: things that make life easier

46. Washer and dryer.
47. Vacuum cleaner.
48. Feminine personal products.

longgone's avatar

Day 14:

1. Many people depend on me, I have never felt obsolete for even a single day.
2. I benefit from the knowledge gathered by all humans who have lived before my time.
3. While they are far from perfect, the police in my country are less corrupt and less violent than in many other parts of the world.

JLeslie's avatar

I’m having trouble today. I do have one very big thing I am grateful for today. A little girl I used to see almost every day at work (the office was at my boss’ house) requested to see me. I had a wonderful morning spending time with her mommy and her. We met for breakfast at Panera. She turns 3 tomorrow.

Earthbound_Misfit's avatar

Day 15

We had our Christmas Party yesterday. It was fun and I got to spend time in non-work mode with lots of lovely people.

My new bike arrived!

I am lucky enough to be able to work from home when I want.

longgone's avatar

Day 15:

1. I can get around with public transport, so I do not need a car.
2. I am free to move around within the EU, with very little hassle.
3. I do not suffer from any allergies.

Mimishu1995's avatar

Day 16
1. I don’t have any serious mental or physical problem.
2. I have my set of warm clothes for the winter.
3. I don’t have any allergies.

Jeruba's avatar

Day 17: practicality

49. Investments.

- I had no idea what I was doing, but I signed up for a few payroll-deduction investment programs over my working years. Now they amount to a little something that I’m very glad to have.

50. Postal service.

- We should never let go of this institution. We can live without FedEx and Amazon Prime, but low-tech solutions are the likeliest to survive catastrophe, provided we don’t short-sightedly and ignorantly dismantle the infrastructure.

51. Garbage and trash collection.

- Ever live through a garbage strike? Okay.

JLeslie's avatar

@Jeruba I have to agree with you completely about the USPS. I hate talk of getting rid of it. I try to ship through the post office as much as possible. I have one friend who believes it should be dismantled, and one of his reasons is because he believes they unfairly monopolize the market. Evidence he provided was only USPS can use our home mailboxes. I looked at him like he had six heads.

1. Pencil and paper. I hope they never completely disappear. Pens too.

2. Zumba as part of gym programs. So much less expensive than separate dance classes. Although, I do miss ballet.

3. Pasteurized eggs.

Haleth's avatar

Having a safe and warm place to sleep
Putting up the Christmas tree with my roommates
Someone in Scotland knitted cardigans for the Shetland Ponies, this is a real thing

Jeruba's avatar

@JLeslie, pencil and paper are still to come on my list—those are absolutely nonnegotiable musts! Glad you mentioned them. I think pencil will outlast ink, which runs when wet and fades, and I expect both of them to outlast laptops and electronic tablets. In a couple hundreds years, no one will be able to read my manuscripts, but they’ll still be able to read Charles Dickens’.

As for the USPS, the expression “snail mail” was funny once, the first time I heard it, in the early 1970s, and after that it’s just been annoying. Sure, the postal service has its faults, but I think it’s a great service and very undeservedly criticized. I also love(d) the old and often beautiful post offices with the echoing marble floors and the clerks behind little windows. People don’t seem to understand how cheesy architecture impoverishes our collective spirit.

JLeslie's avatar

@Jeruba Yes! In NYC there are still some large classic post offices. I know just what you mean. Although, I did love my little post office in a small town when I lived in TN. It was usually manned by this one gentleman who always smiled, always helpful, and knew most of the customers. Sometimes a second person was there to help.

If you ever get a chance go to the Post Office museum in DC.

I still use the expression snail mail, but the truth is our mail has always been fantastic. Fedex upped the game for overnight packages, but if you just need regular service, the US mail is amazing. Under 50¢ and your letter can travel 3,000 miles in approximately 4 days. Their record for getting mail where it needs to go is fantastic; very rarely is something lost. Go to another country, especially 50 years ago, and no other country was as good I would bet. I know many countries still have poor service. I think of mailmen like doctors. Like they took an oath to carry important documents like announcements of new babies, legal documents, letters to Santa, and many others.

I’m very nostalgic about our postal service. Sorry to go on about it. It is a part of our history that I don’t want to lose to history.

Earthbound_Misfit's avatar

Day 16

Mornings with my husband are a joy.
I can float in my pool on a hot day.
I can take books, many books, anywhere with me on my Kindle.

Mimishu1995's avatar

Day 17
1. I don’t throw things away easily so I can rely on some when I need.
2. I have a collection of colored pencils of various branches and I know how to combine them.
3. I have a friend on Fluther who cares for me (although I don’t know what is happening to him)

longgone's avatar

Day 16:

1. Most days, I do not need to get up insanely early.
2. I am lucky enough to not need much this Christmas, so people will be giving me books!
3. I live in a place where my atheism does not ever cause trouble, and barely even comes up.

Jeruba's avatar

Nice, @longgone. Especially 2. And especially especially 3.

longgone's avatar

Day 17:

1. My brain correctly identifies and reports pain, enabling me to fix things.
2. Due to my specific combo of genetics and environment, I am unlikely to use violence.
3. I can endure (and even enjoy) physical contact with other humans, so I feel at home in my species.

@Jeruba Thanks. While 3 is, naturally, more important, the thought of 2 makes me giddy!

Earthbound_Misfit's avatar

Day 17

Insects. Where would the world be without bees! Or the myriad of insects that do the important work they do.
Music. This morning I’m in a Hollies mood. So I’ve listened to this.
The Triple J hottest 100. Who will be number 1 this year (and who is kidnapping musicians?)

Jeruba's avatar

Oops! I missed one. Day 18 was yesterday, December 9th.

So:

Day 18: small indispensables (that are not so small if you don’t have them)

52. Salt.
53. Sugar.
54. Soap.

Really, those only seem small because they’re readily available and we take them for granted. Only salt is salt. (“If the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?”)

Day 19: small indispensables that come in pairs

55. Pencil and paper.
56. Needle and thread
57. Knife and fork.

Mimishu1995's avatar

Day 18
1. My learning results are acceptable.
2. I don’t have to redo any course.
3. I’m not forced to believe in any religion.

JLeslie's avatar

1. Grateful Santa came to my subdivision on a fire truck tonight decorated for Christmas and gave all the kids Christmas gifts. The whole neighborhood was out. It was like a Christmas block party.

2. Grateful to feel appreciated. The woman I trained to take over my job told me how much she appreciates my patience and continued help when she needs it.

3. Grateful for how hard my husband works. I wish he didn’t work so hard.

longgone's avatar

Day 18:

1. I know how to say sorry (most of the time).
2. I don’t have to worry about basic manners – holding doors and greeting people comes naturally.
3. I have never had to do without a warm and soft place to sleep.

Jeruba's avatar

Oh, dear.
Dec. 9th: 18
Dec. 10th: 19
Dec. 11th: 20
Dec. 12th: 21

That was yesterday. Well, I fell apart here at the end, but I tried. Did we help at all, @longgone?

longgone's avatar

Is anyone else more consciously looking for good things throughout the day?

@Jeruba Loads!! I may not have posted three things every day, but the reminders worked well, I’ve been thinking about positives much more than usual.

longgone's avatar

[Mod says] Moved to Social.

JLeslie's avatar

Happily sitting on my back patio the last couple of hours calculating comps for a house I might buy, fluthering, facebooking, and watching TV.

I think I might have lost a couple of pounds.

Happy it’s been unusually warm in Ohio this winter so my husband doesn’t have to suffer too badly.

Earthbound_Misfit's avatar

Graduation. I love seeing my students walk across that stage. It’s just beautiful and I feel as proud as a parent at their achievement.

Christmas films. So sappy, but I do love watching them. And I love that my husband will watch them with me and get as much childlike glee from them.

My hairdresser and friend. Who is almost like a non-adopted daughter. She’s a beautiful person, with a good heart.

Mimishu1995's avatar

Day 19
1. I have a good imagination.
2. I have come to the last part of my exam. Rest is coming!
3. I don’t have to worry much about anything except my exam.

longgone's avatar

Day 19:

1. I seem to be a good teacher. I love knowing that I’ve helped one of my students understand whatever they had been struggling with.
2. I am getting better at recognizing and voicing when I want time to myself.
3. My teeth. They are, so far, devoid of cavities.

longgone's avatar

Day 20:

1. Even if I couldn’t find a job for years, social security would prevent me from having to live on the streets.
2. I don’t, to my knowledge, have any real enemies.
3. I live in a time period of easily-accessible knowledge – books are cheap, and the internet is free.

Mimishu1995's avatar

Day 20
1. Even though it’s winter, it’s not horribly cold.
2. I live in a time when war is generally discouraged.
3. I don’t have to face terrorism in my country.

longgone's avatar

Aaaand, day 21:

1. I have enough spare time to enjoy my hobbies.
2. I am able to study what I am interested in. This would not be possible without my parents’ and the government’s support/approval, as well as the money I am earning myself – I’m thankful for all three.
3. This exercise was surprisingly easy.

Mimishu1995's avatar

Day 21
1. I’ve finished my exam!
2. A friend has just got married but still has time for me (her husband supports it too). We are hanging out tomorrow.
3. Christmas is coming.

Mimishu1995's avatar

Hah! So that’s the end. My life became a real mess while I was doing the exercise. Sometimes I couldn’t even think of anything that I could be thankful for. Now things have quietened down a bit but the exercise is over :(

Jeruba's avatar

No reason not to continue it, @Mimishu1995, if you want to. Some people do this every day just as a part of how they live. In fact, @longgone told us right up front: “That’s to make it a habit.”

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