It is funny how optimistism can really stop nay-sayers in their tracks (take it from me firsthand).  When people have a laundry list of complaints in therapy, I ask them for what they are thankful.  I seriously get the deer in the headlight look.  "What?"  "Huh?"  "I am not thankful for anything."

Eventually, after several suggestions, we have created a list of a few items.  I know that I was like this when I started the project.  There are still so many times in my mind when I am plagued with what I don't have...negative thoughts...jealousy, hurt, you name it, it's there.  Then I start my gratitude list.  I keep coming up with more.  Then I realize, man, this can swing either way...either for good or bad.  So I decide to focus on the good.

120.  Regular trash and recycling pick up
121.  Dropping off cardboard for the homeless shelter down the street
122.  The public library
123.  Grocery stores within a mile of my house
124.  The rail to trail next to my house
125.  The extension of this rail to trail last year for miles and miles
126.  My insulated water bottle
127.  My morning eggs (in the microwave...with veggies)
128.  Making my own schedule at work
129.  The taste of coffee (which now really seems to have grown on me..so much, I want it all the time)
130.  Lots of regular, plentiful sanitized water
131.  Flushing toilets
132.  My Brita filter
133.  That spring is finally here
134.  That salt doesn't cost an arm and a leg anymore
135.  That Christopher Columbus discovered America
136.  That people were willing to fight for my independence
137.  That my forefathers created laws and a moral code for this new nation they had founded
138.  Avocados (so good, so creamy, so nutritious)
139.  DVR
140.  Watching Dancing with the Stars and the Bachelor with my roommate
141.  Starting out sulking because I had a bad night and then turning my frown upside down with a movie and spiked ice cream with my roommate