A Catalogue of Gratitude

Most mornings I start the day with a cup of tea, a book, a little journaling about the day before and the contemplation of my immediate surroundings. Yesterday I found myself suddenly struck with my fortune to enjoy such moments. So I made a list of those things I am grateful for

1. English breakfast tea

2. Baked unsalted cashew nuts

3. Early morning sunshine

4. Still able to call my mum and dad

5. The sound of gentle waves lapping the beach

6. The pleasure of going to bed early

7. The noses of dogs

8. Birdsong

9. Squirrels

10. The gentle breeze

11. Savoring lying in bed

12. The sound of powerful waves crashing on rocks

13. Waking up without an alarm clock

14. Running water in a gentle brook

15. Staying up late to finish a book or a movie that you’re really enthralled with

16. Words

17. Lifting weights

18. Being playful

19. Trees

20. The music of Frank Zappa

21. A message in my inbox from a friend I haven’t seen for a long time

22. The music of Beethoven

23. A full bodied GSM served at the right temperature on a cool evening in Western Australia

24. A meal served with friends

25. Cooking a meal to serve to friends

26. Bumping into somebody you haven’t seen for a long time

27. The sound of rain as it hits dry ground

28. Good friends

29. Hugging my sons

30. Kissing my wife

31. Playing

32. Stretching

33. Shared laughter over lunch in the office

34. Helping a client see something differently

35. Coaching

36. Being coached

37. Being curious

38. Watching the bubbles float to the surface in a glass of champagne

39. Fresh raspberries straight off the cane

We are surrounded by the miraculous, if we only pause to pay attention.

What are you grateful for? Share one small joy in the comments