20 Things I’m thankful for. What about you?

This will be my last post of the week. I’m taking some time off for Thanksgiving. I’ll be back with great new information on Monday. Tuesday I’ll be introducing December’s Submission contest…it’s going to be HUGE!

I read a nice post last week from Michael Hyatt. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving.

I encourage you to read his entire post, but listen to this idea:

Several years ago, at the encouragement of a friend, I started carrying a gratitude rock in my pocket. It’s really just a small, smooth stone that I picked up from the fish pond behind our house. I carry it with me where ever I go.

The idea is simple. Whenever my hand contacts the stone–usually several times a day–I give thanks for whatever is happening at that moment, whether good or bad.

That’s not easy. It’s not easy to instantly give thanks…no matter the circumstances.

A list of gratitude

He went on to list 20 things he was thankful for in his life. Being thankful in any and every circumstance is much easier if we have a list of pre-determined items we’re grateful for.

So today, I give to you my Thanksgiving List. I encourage you to create your own. You can post it here or on your own blog (and link back!).

1. My spiritual life.
2. My wife.
3. My children.
4. My extended family.
5. Where The Collective is and how quickly it’s gotten here.
6. My enjoyment in learning.
7. Kia’s creativity and drive.
8. My computer (seriously, every time I try to work on a different one, I am thankful for it).
9. My iPhone/iPad.
10. My health.
11. Coaching and playing soccer.
12. My recent trip to Colorado – the hikes and exploring I did with my family.
13. The change in seasons – I love cold weather after hot (and the hot after the cold).
14. My relative wealth (compared to the rest of the world).
15. Incredible contributions from some great photographer friends.
16. My mom and her love of me and my family.
17. Freedom.
18. Hope in a bright future.
19. Finding new creative outlets (writing & iPhone photography).
20. Travel.

I’ll admit it. Not every one of those 20 items came rolling off my fingers. It took a bit of time, but hopefully you have some time over this weekend to commit to making your list.

What are you thankful for? List 5 things of your 20.

Header image courtesy of stock.xchng.