All too often we only set aside one time per year to really, truly give thanks for all we have. Even those who feel they don’t have a lot have one thing we should all be thankful for; the gift of life. Beauty is all around us and if we can capture that sense of continued awe when we stop, take a breath, and appreciate all of the things we enjoy but take for granted, the world instantly looks like a better place.

Gratitude and appreciation is truly the conduit to happiness, a sense of purpose, and a fuller life. I’ve been meaning to start a gratitude journal now, and the idea struck me that it would be even more powerful to share it and inspire others to do the same. My aim is to find one thing to be grateful for each day which will force me to dig deeper to see tiny details that make our lives great but go overlooked.

Without further ado:

#ThankfulThursday – 12/17 – 12/23/2015

Today I’m thankful for…

12/17/2015 – Board / Card Games.

I love our ability to stay connected across space and time via text, chat, Skype, or online games. However, there’s the proximity factor that I can’t imagine current technology ever supplementing, let alone replacing. Board and card games are a great way to be social, to connect with friends, and get some fun competition in at the same time.

12/18/2015 – De-icer.

I’m still in Minnesota and reminded the amazing chemical power of salts and alcohols to make ice vanish in seconds.

12/19/2015 – Love.

Love is almost hopelessly abstract. It’s hard to describe and its feelings are complicated and powerful. Our ability to love is the greatest driver of good in our lives. Our sense of love doesn’t have to exist, but it benefits us all that it does. It gives us the greatest sense of purpose and happiness we can imagine.

12/20/2015 – First Dates.

Yes, the excited nervousness of the first date is an exhilarating experience. In this one person you can see many potential outcomes and one of those outcomes could be one of the most influential of your entire life – meeting your spouse. While it can be as stressful as exciting, it’s uniquely special unlike any other event you’ll share with someone else.

12/21/2015 – The First Time You Meet Someone You Know Will Be Special.

It might be a new friend or a significant other, but those moments when you realize you’ve met someone who is going to be a big part of your life are amazing. Two years ago I met someone who has probably had one of the largest impacts on my life I’ll ever know. Within the past month I met someone I am certain will become a dear lifetime friend. Those are connections that make our lives better, fuller, and happier, and I’m thankful for the serendipitous paths that bring us to those special people in our lives.

12/22/2015 – Discontentedness.

A few weeks ago I wrote about how I’m thankful that the world, by almost every measure (perhaps outside of environmental), is better than it has ever been. However, there’s a huge disconnect between the data and public perception. I think that’s because there’s a growing level of discontent for any level of discomfort in the world.

This trend has some good sides and less-than-good sides, but overall I’m glad we have a growing level of discontent for the worst parts of the world. This discontent will continue to help drive the change the world wants and needs, I just hope we’ll stop to smell the roses of progress from time to time.

12/23/2015 – The Smell of Wrapping Paper.

One of the distinct things that’s strongly tied to my memory of the Holidays is the smell of wrapping paper. Wrapping paper smells very distinct and has a distinct soft feel as well. It reminds me of the excitement of surprise that came with giving and getting gifts and celebrating another year with friends and family.

Your turn

I’m always looking for more inspiration, so tell me, what’s one thing you’re grateful for from the past week? I’ll share a few submissions during next week’s post and intend to keep that going all year long. While I love #ThrowbackThursday, I’d love to see #ThankfulThursday take off too.

The more we can say thanks, the better off we’ll be. Especially because we don’t know if we’ll be able to say “thanks” to those we care about tomorrow or to those who’ve touched us that we’ll never cross paths with again – why wait?