Thankful Thursday ~ Celebrate what you have

Happy Thursday, All!

Can you believe it's Thursday and I'm actually posting my Thankful Thursday post ON THURSDAY?  That hasn't happened in a few weeks! Yay me!

I was doing some research yesterday at work on coming up with age-appropriate thought provoking questions to get teenagers to think and I came across the blog post/website whose link is listed above this photo. I really did think the images were nice and the questions really did make me think. Click on the link below to see the whole thing. I'm probably going to start subscribing to that blog because I'm always on the lookout for more positive-thinking messages.

Anyway, I thought the image below was particularly apt for a Thankful Thursday.

25 Beautifully Illustrated Thought Provoking Questions---
http://www.marcandangel.com/2010/03/29/25-beautifully-illustrated-thought-provoking-questions/

Image from www.marcandangel.com

So... Do you celebrate the things you have? (Or do you bemoan the things you don't have?)

I have a really wonderful husband, the best dog ever, wonderful family and friends, a nice place to live, a good job, excellent health... the list could go on and on. Sometimes thinking about what we wish we had or wish we had done differently really only serves to downplay what we already DO have that really is pretty good. This strain of negativity can come from comparing ourselves to others, or simply failing to recognize the good that already is all around us. Today, challenge yourself to make a list or to think about what's going really well in your life and be glad for those things. Practice gratitude.

A few other things I want to specifically call out and say Thanks for--

1) Hospitality
Jeff and I have been crashing Tom and Carol's house for the past six weeks or so during the calving season. We've been lounging on their furniture, working out in their basement, eating all of their food, using up precious internet bandwidth, and just generally taking up space. I'm sure they're ready to have the house to themselves again. But I've never heard any complaints. In fact, it's been nothing but hospitality, fellowship and generosity from T and C. I thank them for hosting us, and for getting the coffee ready each night or morning.

2) Friendship
As always, I appreciate the friendship of Stephanie, even in this time when she's figuring out what's next. She always has a smile on her face and a welcoming comment.  I know that all of our days are brightened by having her around. She certainly is a hard worker, and Jeff and Tom have both commented on her positive attitude and can-do spirit. And her pies are outstanding.

This is a slice of coconut cream pie that Stennie recently made.  So good!

3) Peace Pilgrim.
Lastly, again while doing some research for an activity at school, I came across this quote:  "If we knew how powerful our thoughts were, we would never again have another negative thought." ~ Peace Pilgrim Her methods might be a little out there for most of us, but her message and purpose is clear. That quote is something that resonated with me because, well, I don't need any help being negative, and I've seen the effect negativity has had on my own life in the past. That's why I started doing Thankful Thursday. I'm trying to change my own thought patterns for the better. I hope that you keep checking in on Thursdays and I hope that you're making efforts to be more positive, too.

Have a great weekend, everyone! What are you thankful for this week?