Things I am Grateful for

Week 1

Writing down the things I am grateful is an exercise I started last January. Until March I used to write down my personal gratitude list everyday, but then I started forgetting about it, even though my mind has always kept me remembering I should go on with my gratitude exercise sometimes.

So I simply decided to start my weekly journal on Medium, combining both my passion for writing, and my gratitude practice.

Someone may tell you that once you start recognizing the things you are grateful for, the Universe will send you further positive and satisfying experiences as well. Well, I do agree, but I also think that remembering we all have something positive inside and outside us keeps us focused on what is good, instead of thinking about what we don’t have or what we lost. To me this is essential, as I was a very negative person.

What am I grateful for this week?

1. Me and my family are doing well. Last week was very tough. I was so worried for the health of my family members, and now I am very happy we are all out of the woods.
2. The smile of my little nephew. Mattia is three months old, and this week I’m spending some time with him. He immediately smiles when he sees me, and he is happy to hear my voice. I love speaking to him.
3. I have a job. Even though my contract is fixed-term, I am grateful I have a job. I am gaining experience and money. Both of them are key elements for my future.
4. I work in a team. We all support and help each other. I’ve been working in my company for more than a month, but the thing I almost immediately recognized and appreciated is the ability to work in a team. I do believe it is an important factor for every successful company.
5. I have a great boyfriend. He is very supportive, he is my home, even though we do not (yet) live together.
6. I have some more time for myself. I’ve been working remotely for a week, and I know I’ll be back in office soon. Working 9–6 from home means that I can sleep at least one hour longer, and when I close the laptop, it does not take me more than one hour to get home. This implies that I am less tired and I am more productive. Now it’s quarter to ten p.m. and I am not as tired as when I wake up at 6 a.m.. Indeed, I am writing this article right now.

These are, so far, the things I am grateful for this week, let’s say from end April until beginning of May.

Imagine people in the world starting thinking and writing the things they are grateful for. It is not just what you get back, it is the energy you convey to the Universe and the others, it is the feeling you perceive when you know there is something good in your life despite the hardships you’re facing right now.

Imagine a lot of people thinking more positive about their life. Imagine spreading kindness and good mood because people are aware of what they have, and they don’t focus on negativity. Those people are also able to see positive aspects in others as well. When you tell yourself you’re not so good in something, but then the voice of your fellow friend/family member/whoever tells you: “Look, don’t put yourself down!”, it’s because they see potential in you. People who know their own potential can see other people’s resources as well.

Start writing down a list of the things you are grateful for. You can inspire yourself when things are not going so well, and you can also inspire others to know better themselves. If you know your own resources, you can recognize them in others.

Thank you.