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Ten Things of Thankful: Groundhog Day Edition

Ever get to the end of the week and feel like you still have sooooo much to do, and you don't feel motivated to do any of it?  Me neither.  (Just kidding!)  

 Apparently Punxsutawney Phil felt like that on Groundhog Day this year, at least according to the account I read. He put up quite the struggle before emerging from his den to tell us there would be six more weeks of winter. I don't think I'd like to be pulled out of my cave, either, but I do know something that helps me when I don't want to face the day. One of the best solutions I've found is to take a moment (not too long--I'm not trying to procrastinate here!) and count my many blessings.  There is so much for which to be thankful!

 1.  I can't believe I am saying this, but it rained again this week!  I am so thankful for the moisture we've been getting, and for the fact the ground has been soaking it up nicely.

 2.  I'm thankful for my visiting teachers, the women from the church that check up on me, share messages of hope and love, and are my friends.  

 3. I'm thankful for other friends who feel comfortable sharing their challenges with me, and . . .

4. I'm thankful for prayer, which (combined with a listening ear and a shoulder) is sometimes the only thing I can offer.

 5.  I'm thankful that #3 and #4 apply in more than one situation, so I can make those general statements, think and pray in specific, and respect privacy.

 6.  I'm thankful to have made it through the week (at least to this point) without sugar.  I'm not opposed to sweets on special occasions; it's just easy for me to find a reason to celebrate every day--and that is a problem!  It's getting easier and easier to say, "No, thank you" each day that passes.  

 7.  I'm thankful to recognize things I can do (like prayer, scripture study, sleep, exercise, eating healthy foods, expressing gratitude, service, taking a deep breath, etc.) to prepare myself for each day ahead.  

 8.  I'm thankful I got to spend some time with my grandchildren this week. There is nothing quite like hearing, "GRANDMA!" and seeing a sweet child running towards you with arms outstretched, to lift your mood and brighten your day.  
Photo:  Oldest granddaughter, with bobbed brown hair and wearing pink overalls, holds a black and white, blue-eyed husky puppy
9.  I'm thankful I've written a few more blog posts this week, and I'm thankful that I'm writing this post on Friday morning.  Feel free to join in the #52Stories Project, Ivy's Six Sentence Stories, or of course, The Ten Things of Thankful!  

 10.  I'm thankful for John.  He's had a busy week, but no matter how hectic his schedule is, he's always willing to listen to me. He buoys me up.   

Did Groundhog Day get you down?  What helps you face your day?  What are you thankful for this week?




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Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 3, 2017 at 11:17 AM

    Impressive early entry! I, sadly, have been writing zero blog posts, but I really need to get back in the swing. Haven't been feeling well so sitting at the computer isn't very comfortable. Hoping to remedy that this weekend. Speaking of which, have a good one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiFebruary 3, 2017 at 11:28 AM

      It is hard to get back in the swing, that's for sure. I'm sorry you haven't been feeling well; hope you feel better soon! A weekend has got to help, right? :-)

      Delete
  2. Rozy LassFebruary 3, 2017 at 11:46 AM

    Sunshine helps me the most. I really struggle with S.A.D. in the winter and the older I get the worse it gets. When the sky is clear and the sun breaks over the horizon I feel like I can face anything. Good music is another thing that motivates me to get up and get going on the day. At the end of the day I like to count my blessings to help me relax and go to sleep. The worries fade away and I feel closer to my Heavenly Father as I express gratitude for all He gives me. Reading upbeat blog posts is just one more thing that I love. Thanks for your cheer, faith, and optimism.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiFebruary 3, 2017 at 12:42 PM

      Even though I like the rain, I know what you mean about sunshine being energizing. One of my first actions every morning is to open the curtains to let the light in.

      Delete
  3. Pat BFebruary 3, 2017 at 11:47 PM

    I love your #5. That's so important. Your #6 makes me want to do better (says she who ate two pieces of pie today). Is the puppy a new part of her family, or a visitor? The photo is precious, of both of them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiFebruary 5, 2017 at 7:19 AM

      Yes, the puppy is part of her family now. I'm happy with how the photo turned out. I got a new phone, and have been enjoying trying out its camera capabilities.

      Delete
  4. Clark FarleyFebruary 5, 2017 at 4:13 PM

    What a very interesting (and good-looking) dog!
    our winter here (in southern New England) has been very moderate, that last week has been the longest period with snow on the ground we've had this winter!
    funny, we were talking about the groundhog and 6 weeks of winter and it struck me how much winter has changed (since being a child). not the nordic ordeal that I remember growing up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiFebruary 5, 2017 at 6:15 PM

      My youngest granddaughter thinks the puppy has a "creepy" face, but I tend to think it is more striking than creepy. :-)
      That does sound like you've had a mild winter--however, remember the polar vortex wasn't that many years ago!

      Delete
  5. Just JFebruary 5, 2017 at 5:01 PM

    I love 4 and 7, and #8 is priceless, especially that photo! Counting blessings is a great way to get the day started right and a perfect way to end the night and sleep peacefully, no matter what transpires in between. I don't pay a lot of attention to Ground Hog Day or it's predictions, but I can assure you that if you drag me out of my cozy warm bed into the cold, it's guaranteed to turn nasty! :-) Kudos for you for great posts this week and coming in ahead of the game with this one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KristiFebruary 5, 2017 at 6:10 PM

      I thought it was interesting that you mention peaceful sleep. If I ever fall asleep before saying my evening prayers, I will invariably wake up in the middle of the night! As soon as I pray, I can get back to sleep.

      Delete

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