Last week, my stinkin’ thinkin’ crept back in. If you’re familiar with Al-Anon or AA, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Stinking thinking means allowing thoughts that used to boss us around to return. To have their way. To do us in. My struggle isn’t with alcohol, but to worry, obsess, fix, and try to control–as ugly as it sounds.
I’ve been working my program for years, but Thursday stinkin’ thinkin’ tried to tie me in a tizzy.
And then the gentlest most obscure thought tiptoed in.
Why don’t you try to get to number 1,000 on your gratitude list?
Because I’d have to come up with sixteen things. Five is the most I’ve written in a day.
Try…
After reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp last year, I started listing things I’m grateful for in a little green journal. With 984 gifts already noted, I decided to give it a shot.
I grabbed my journal and started snapping pictures.
#985. Clyde and Levi (our daughter’s Lab) having fun.
#986. Mounds candy bars. (I have Celiac Disease. Can’t eat wheat or gluten but Mounds are just fine!)
#987. Crunch of fall leaves.
#988. My walking path.
#989. New copy of To Kill a Mockingbird.
#990. Summer slipping into fall–my favorite season.
#991. Sweet aroma of the tea olive tree.
On a roll! Having too much fun to worry. 🙂
#992. Front porch gardenia is still thriving.
#993. Candlelight at my desk. Lord, You’re the Light of the world. And my heart.
#994. My novel characters and what they teach me.
#995. Ferns made it through October.
#996 One more pepper in the garden.
#997. Laughing at our porch party this morning.
#998. Log parakeet house Rick is building in the backyard.
#999. Acorns falling at my feet.
and finally….
oh finally…..
Wo-hoo!
Hallelujah!
Number 1,000. When someone asked my opinion, I spoke the truth in love. 🙂
Gratitude delivered me from my stinkin’ thinking.’
I’m on my way to number 2,000!
Has gratitude ever changed your outlook? I’d love to hear!
Love,
Julie