Top 10 Gratitude List

Thankfulness is good, and gratitude is taking the extra step: a readiness to express thankfulness and return kindness.  This holiday 2019 season I have reflected on and saved a list of 10 items I have gratitude for:

1) My mother and father, who are both 100% supportive of me as I have gone back to graduate school these past two years to pursue my career aspiration to become a licensed clinical social worker.

2) My three closest friends who help me to reflect and decompress when life gets chaotic.

3) My instructors for my social work graduate classes, who hold me accountable to my primary responsibilities as a student.

4) My faith community, who reminds me of inherent value, regardless of success or failure.

5) The United States that, despite its imperfections, has given me many opportunities for success in my still young life.

6) My recent entry-level jobs and internships that have immediately challenged me to be a social worker who truly cares for others.

7) God, who I know I can always talk to, regardless of my mood or where I am at in life.

8) The life stories of my extended family members that have helped shape my personal beliefs.

9) The Sabbath, a single day in the week to truly rest.

10) My most challenging life experiences that, even though I do not want to relive them, shaped me into a more complete person and have contributed to my understanding of Shalom.

This holiday season I plan to explore and respond to that which I am thankful for.  I rejoice this holiday season that I have a list of 10 items I am thankful for, but I want to multiply the kindness I have experienced this past year onto others.

My challenge to anyone who reads my list is this holidays season, regardless of your beliefs, take time to explore what it looks like to express gratitude in your life.