Last week we talked about gratitude journaling, and if you haven't checked it out, you can (and should) right here. We shared the journal prompts that we believe will help you a great deal as you either begin or continue gratitude journaling. But let's face it, journaling simply isn't everyone's thing and if it's not, this post is for you.

Practicing gratefulness should be done one way or another, whether you like to journal or not. But if it's not, we figure committing 10 things to memory which you can and should be grateful for is easy enough, cause you've got just enough fingers to count them out. So when those tough times hit, you can close your eyes and remind yourself how truly blessed you are.

1. Waking Up This Morning

Goes without saying, if you even have the ability to complain, that implies that you're not only alive, but your mind is functioning well enough to rationalize. And just as well as it can draw to a negative conclusion, you can change your frame of thinking to draw a positive conclusion.

2. A Right Mind

This brings us to the next point, being in your right mind. This one's often overlooked and taken for granted. But being sane is one of those blessings you truly need to be thankful for.

3. Access to Technology

If you're able to read this blog post, you have access to countless sources of information. Take advantage, the world's you oyster as they say to learn just about anything.

4. Food & Shelter

There may be less favorable circumstances present and the fact that access to clean water in Michigan is still a thing in the news does make you question some things. However, a roof of some kind over your head, and at least a meal a day is more than what a lot of people across the globe can say.

5. A Calling & Purpose

Simply put, if you woke up this morning, God’s not through with you yet. Life is God’s gift to you. What you do with that life is your gift to God. So if you haven’t discovered your passion and purpose, take a minute today to pray on it.

6. Family &/or Framily

You’re not going through life alone. I know sometimes it feels like it, but don’t let the enemy fool you. There’s at least one person you can call or text who’ll lend you their ear if they’re not close enough to lend you their shoulder. And that’s something money can’t buy.

7. Ability to read & write

There’s a reason why during slavery Blacks weren’t allowed to read and write. But anti-literacy laws have long since been abolished. So join us in being grateful for the freedom of expression and the right to be informed. (Censorship and fake news aside)

8. Your smile

Whether you chose to share it, display it, or not. You still have it. Crocked teeth? Still got one. Yellow teeth? Still got one Sis. Practice your right to spread joy by showing the world your smile. Like Uncle Kirk Franklin said “you look so much better when you smile, so smile.

9. Experience God's creation through your senses

Whether you have all 5 intact or not, chances are you have the ability to engage most of your senses. Take a minute and truly take in the sites, the sounds, the aromas, the palates, and the touch of all things bright and beautiful.

10. Your caffeine of choice

Whether that's actually coffee, tea, hot cocoa, or a stroll in the park. Whatever leisurely activity you engage in that gives you a boost of energy; shamelessly and feverishly be grateful and engage in that.

And there you have it, always be grateful! ♥

'Til tomorrow,

Grace & Peace!