Summary

The author expresses gratitude for a variety of personal, environmental, and societal blessings, emphasizing the importance of appreciating life's simple pleasures.

Abstract

In a reflective piece inspired by Linda Lum's similar work, the author articulates a heartfelt list of 20 things they are thankful for. This list encompasses elements of nature like trees and rain, personal relationships with family and neighbors, the comfort of home, and the convenience of modern amenities such as electricity and healthcare. The author also acknowledges the joy brought by entertainment, technology, and wildlife, while recognizing the significance of community pillars like their church and writing platform. The gratitude extends to intangible aspects like health, talents, and even chocolate, with a call to action for others to create their own lists of gratitude.

Opinions

The author has a deep appreciation for nature, especially during challenging times like droughts.
Family, pets, and neighbors are held in high regard, seen as irreplaceable sources of love and support.
The author values the conveniences of modern life, including readily available resources and amenities.
There is a recognition of the luxury of having access to clean water and daily showers, which are not universal.
The church and healthcare providers are seen as integral parts of the author's community and well-being.
Entertainment and technology, particularly the author's cell phone, are appreciated for the connectivity and enjoyment they provide.
The author expresses a reliance on vehicles for mobility, especially as a senior.
Chocolate is cherished without need for explanation, indicating a universal love for it.
The author feels blessed with their own gifts and talents, which they strive to share with others.
Despite its flaws, the writing platform is acknowledged as a crucial outlet for the author's expression.

Twenty Things I’m Grateful For

I’ll start with these but there are so many others

I’m writing this because Linda Lum tagged me in her piece on this subject. When I first read hers I thought it might be heavy lifting to come up with 20, but once I got started, my list quickly got a lot longer very quickly.

Since I’m a nature lover I can come up with 100 things I’m grateful for outside, but this summer I’m especially grateful for trees. Because of our drought the shade from these beauties has become necessary and therefore much more appreciated. Note: Water your trees!

Rain — I usually don’t like it, but that’s quickly changing. I’d love to have a few rainy days and I’ve even imagined myself going out to dance in it.

My family — Each and everyone of them. I never want to take their love for granted.

My home — It’s not the fanciest, but it’s no shack either and I’ve grown very grateful for it just as it is.

Our neighbors — Several of us look out for each other and they are a constant blessing to us.

My dog — All pets are precious and none are more important than our 10 year old Tucker baby. I wish he could outlive us.

My kitchen — that’s full of food. I thank God that we can still afford it and that it’s readily available.

Electricity — It went out Saturday for several hours and I quickly realized there were few things I could do without it.

My health — It really is the most important thing we have and I’m very grateful I don’t have any serious illnesses or chronic pain.

Conveniences — We live very close to everything we need: Groceries, gas, doctors/dentists, drug stores, Vets, ER center and hospital are all within 10 minutes of us.

Water — My daily shower is so comforting and I’m grateful for it as so many people in the world don’t even have clean water in their homes.

Our church — We’ve been members for over 15 years and it truly is our extended family. The people are such a blessing!

Our healthcare providers — We’ve known them for many years and we trust all of them. Not so much the healthcare system.

Entertainment — We have so many avenues of entertainment and I’m grateful for all of them. Books included!

My cell phone — Where would we be without this little innovation?

Wildlife — I love birds, squirrels, frogs, salamanders, and helpful insects.

AC/Heat — I don’t know about you, but I’m not cut out to live in this world without these.

Vehicles — Seriously? Who isn’t thankful for these? As a senior I’m not hoofing it anywhere, outside my daily dog walk.

Chocolate — Is an explanation needed here?

My gifts and talent — All of them are a blessing I try to share however I can.

This writing pub — Yes even with all it’s shortcomings and problems I’m grateful for it. I’d be writing into the wind without it.

I think that’s 20 so now I want to tag the following people to write their own list of Gratitude’s. Wire Editor Newman, Deborah Camp, Mandy McElroy, srstowers, Janet Meisel, Jo Ann Harris, Maria Rattray, B.R. Shenoy, Dr. Preeti Singh, Loren Lieberthal, Cinette Santangelo, Carole Olsen, Bebe Nicholson, Sam Finlayson, Pene Hodge, Henya Drescher, Salsam and anyone else who would like to participate.

Happy writing everyone!