Someone challenged me to write a “gratitude” journal for 30 days. I love challenges! So, I got out a super fancy, spiral-bound children’s grade school notebook and started my journal.  I decided that I had to fill an entire page for each day. I also decided that I couldn’t just repeat the same things over and over. I had to try and discover new things for which I was grateful each day. I made the rule that if I had already mentioned someone or something, I could mention them again if there was a new “outstanding” reason for thankfulness.  I challenge whoever is reading this to try this for 30 solid days. But before you do, take note of your level of “happiness” before you start, and then take note of your level of “happiness” when you finish. I think you will be surprised to discover just what gratitude brings to your life.

Here are my 100 things for which I am thankful today:

1. A warm house
2. Healthy children
3. A devoted husband
4. A break from  ice and snow on the ground
5. Fresh baked cinnamon rolls
6. Being able to wish my dad Happy Birthday this week
7. Having a strong faith in God
8. A sister who texts me just the right words of encouragement
9. Another sister who listens to my heart
10. Another sister who reminded me of how I helped her change and grow during childhood
11. A friend who shows me how to love
12. Three teens who understand their call to purity
13. A dog who wants me to play fetch
14. My eyesight
15. A brain overflowing with ideas
16. Forgiveness
17. Adoration
18. My spiritual director
19. Sunshine
20. Comfortable shoes
21. A sister-in-law who offers support and understanding
22. Discovering a frozen pizza hidden in the freezer
23. Good neighbors
24. A wacky back massage from my daughter
25. Watching my daughter practice her ballet
26. Reading my other daughter’s essay
27. Laughing at my son’s funny antics
28. The Winter Olympics
29. Two working vehicles
30. Room for guests
31. Functional internet access
32. Marketing ideas that just keep pouring into my brain
33. A creative and fun and energetic peer who likes to work with me
34. Fancy wedding gift ideas that I don’t have to think of
35. Birthdays
36. Baptism days
37. All my nieces and nephews
38. Finding my hairdresser
39. Learning how to make laundry soap
40. Having access to recipes online
41. My apron
42. Clever ideas for mud rooms I found on Pinterest
43. Two working washing machines
44. Two working dryers
45. Polite children
46. Hardworking children
47. Peace in my family
48. Friday rosary
49. Friends who help remodel
50. Friends who have cheap remodeling ideas
51. Real estate investors and realtors who really want to help and have virtue
52. A great accountant
53. Wisdom
54. Understanding
55. Counsel
56. Knowledge
57. Piety
58. Fear of the Lord
59. Fortitude
60. A great roofing company
61. Fun paint colors
62. My grandparents – may they rest in peace
63. Fun crafts that keep kids busy
64. Wild hairdos
65. Funny jokes
66. Bad jokes told by cute kids
67. Honesty
68. Understanding how God loves us
69. Realizing how much I need to work on me
70. Letting go of what’s not important
71. Knowing who you can rely on
72. A clean house
73. A simple life
74. An ordered life
75. Trust
76. Moving forward
77. Meeting problems head on
78. Giving a hand to others
79. Apologizing when I am wrong
80. Letting go of regret
81. My fuzzy socks
82. A pantry full of food
83. A quiet night
84. Greek yogurt
85. Our piano teacher
86. Our dance studio
87. Good soccer coaches
88. Resolution
89. Learning Latin
90. Understanding my call to holiness
91. Diet Coke with Fresh Lime
92. Chunky Monkey Ice Cream
93. A surprise gift
94. Relief
95. Cell phones
96. Staying centered on God
97. Joy
98. Baking soda
99. Being able to drive
100. Waking up this morning