These Grateful Dozen lists were contributed by readers and workshop attendees.  Some adjustments were made to reflect both broad themes that evoke gratitude and specific examples.

  • Sharing time with a loved one  (spending 15-30 minutes with Stephanie first thing every morning)
  • Sharing affection with a pet (head-butts from the cat)
  • Promising new beginnings (The first sip of the first cup of coffee for the day)
  • Taking breaks  (the little park behind the building where I work)
  • Curiosity and inspiration (getting ideas for creative side projects)
  • Loyalty (people who have stuck with me)
  • Special people (people who have left their mark on me before moving on)
  • Being able to manage my emotions (Remembering to slow my breath when my temper rises)
  • Progress (chiseling away at a debt)
  • Comfort/comfort food (lentil soup)
  • Staying current (Jason Hischorn’s newsletter on media and technology)
  • Drive/Motivation (wanting to pursue something better even before it’s fully known)

Emerson D, Chicago  (10/10/13)

 

  • Warmth  (sunshine, sleeping in your bed with your mate)
  • Feeling really awake (love of strong coffee)
  • Pets and the sense of connection they offer
  • Growing things (children, plants)
  • Inspiration found in nature
  • Things enjoyed at their peak (ripe mangoes)
  • Contrast (color, textures, the variety of things found in nature)
  • Family connections and pride (knowing my children will succeed in their paths)
  • Remembrance (remembering how fortunate my life has been)

Steve N, River Forest, IL, IT professional  (10/10/13)

 

  • Unexpected good news (especially after a rough day)
  • Good fortune/Averting disaster (that last night’s windstorm did not knock out power)
  • The closeness of family (my 11 year-old daughter and dogs came into our bed this morning)
  • Warmth (especially sunshine)
  • Silence (Our valley was silent this morning except for the Tui birds)
  • Yoga and reflection (writing my grateful dozen list)
  • Feeling connected through technology (my laptop)
  • Sacred objects and places (my shrine, favorite books, photos, Buddhas, offerings from children)
  • Simple comfort  (my big bed with white covers)
  • Hope (things that make me hopeful)

Tisha C, New Zealand, Photographer  (10/11/13)

 

  • Feeling at home (my lovely house and yard)
  • Ease (having a washer and dryer after months of going to the launderette)
  • Help of caring friends
  • Connection – enabled by technology (talking to people who share my interests through social media)
  • Connection – feeling connected to people in unexpected ways
  • Being a mother
  • Freedom (living in a country where I am able to feel what’s personally important to me with no oppression)
  • Using my talents (having a job I am good at
  • Creative expression (rediscovering my love of art and creativity)

Julie, England  (6/14/13)

 

  • Nature  (Things that are natural)
  • Beauty
  • Feeling in my body
  • Creative Expression
  • Supporting other people’s greatness/potential
  • Learning new things
  • Fun
  • Insight/inspiration
  • Connection
  • Lingering/Relishing wonderful moments
  • Excellence

Gale W, Chicago, teacher, energetic healer    (4/28/13)

 

  • Feeling that I am on a path
  • Family/heritage
  • Belonging/Community
  • Creative expression
  • Owning my creative self
  • Feeling healthy
  • Free things/Unexpected gifts
  • Silence
  • Nature/feeling abundance of nature
  • Home/Feeling at home

Nick M, Chicago, theatrical set designer  (4/28/13)