Daily journaling has been part of my
life for four years. This year, in each
journal entry, I started adding something that I’m grateful for. My intent was to ensure that in a life filled
with an ever-increasing number of distractions that I don’t take things for
granted – especially the important things. My
belief is that by focusing on positivity and gratitude that these things will
become more abundant in my life. Below,
in no particular order, is the compilation of all the things from my 2016 journaling
that I am grateful for. I am truly happy
I started this and I will continue the practice of gratitude indefinitely with
my journaling. If you haven’t done
something like this, I recommend it.
I am grateful for…
Love. Kylie.
Isabella. Brielle. Living in Canada and being Canadian. A warm house on cold nights. Hope. Holidays
and vacations. Ideon Packaging. Vitamins.
Sleep. Sunrises. Sunsets.
Campfires; for the peacefulness, smell and stories they can bring out. Thanksgiving
with family and friends. Not living in a
war-torn country. Nature. RRSPs.
RESPs. Tax-Free Savings Accounts. Compound Interest. Our beautiful new custom patio. Grandparents who look after Bella and Brielle
to give Kylie and I a date night. Date nights. Another
day on this beautiful Earth. Site, Sound,
touch, smell, and taste (all of which I am thankfully in good standing). Lots of hair.
The ability for my body to recover after a run and workout. A nice bottle of wine. A nice cigar (Romeo Y Juliet to be specific). Statutory Holidays. Going running for the first time with Bella. Playing games and having fun with Bella and
Brielle. Getting fired from SMC
Pneumatics. The smell of a bouquet of
flowers. Not having to choose between
Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Dallas
Cowboys finally having a season with promise.
Shuswap Lake. Adam Hart and his
Mind-Rest idea. My daughters laugh. Safe travels.
Rob Hunt. The four seasons,
equally. Not being a tree. Trees.
Books. Eleven wonderful years
(and counting) with Kylie. The Halloween
spirit that seemingly brings out the kid in all of us. Seeing the expression of excitement on Brielle’s
face as she opens her birthday gift: her first big-girl bike. Clear nights with
the stars shining (Majestic!). Another
day, healthy. Date nights. Bella telling me that she was sad that we
didn’t have more hangout time (done through tears). Gravity. A nice glass of port. Traditions.
Family time. All my teachers –
past, present and future – from both sides of the ledger. My girls being so happy to see me when they
get home from dance or when I pick them up at the end of the day. The little things. Relaxing with Kylie in front of the TV and
fire after a long day. Running. A friendly smile from a stranger. Finding my
path. The little voice in my head that
tells me to keep going. Fresh air. Clean drinking water right out of the tap. Reliable plumbing, heat and utilities in the
house. The Christmas spirit and the pure
joy kids have at Christmas time. Finding
perfection in imperfection. Customers. Great suppliers. Vitamins.
Advil. Physiotherapy. A great haircut. Pain; it reminds me how lucky I have it when
pain is not there. The human body; its
power to heal and recover is truly amazing.
Having a new house that doesn’t need repairs (yet…). The person who inspired me to journal (sadly,
I can’t remember who it was). Hope. Forgiveness.
Vacation Days. Snow and the
excitement it brings out of kids. Networking
and new connections. Winter Tires. The furnace.
Air conditioning. Freedom. Losing weight. Rainy days.
Difference. The light and the
dark; a great metaphor for life.
Sleeping in once in a while. Podcasts;
a great way to learn on the go. Memories. Gifts and presents. Failing; the best way to learn. Firefighters, police officers and
paramedics. Family traditions. Elf on a shelf. Coffee.
Two healthy and beautiful daughters that I cherish more than anything in
the world. Tom and Rosa letting us stay
in their house while we were between houses.
The abundance of food when the majority of the world’s population
doesn’t have this. The good health of
myself, family and friends. Having many
great friends. Trades people. Good night hugs and kisses with Bella and
Brielle. Loving parents, willing to help
us out whenever they’re asked. Making
enough money to afford the things our family needs, with the luxury of being
able to afford the things we want while being fiscally responsible. Having the family cabin to use a vacation spot
any time. A fine dining meal. Seeing a need for change and making it
happen. Choice and discipline. March
31st and finally having a new house of our own.
Living in a free country. My connections
and relationships, both personally and professionally. To be blessed with the opportunity
to share my life and raise our children with the most amazing, beautiful and
loving woman in the world. Dentists.
Positive relationships. Being
able to vote in a democratic society. Playing
in the snow. Being athletically inclined
and able enough to enjoy most sports. My
mission/purpose statement and knowing my core values. Animals.
How well Kylie and I have done on the properties we’ve owned, allowing
us to step up each time. Capitalism. My promotion to VP of Operations. Finding the woman of my dreams at a younger
age, to allow us more life together and have two amazing daughters. Tropical
destinations. Parents stressing the
importance of retirement planning. Parents
who are truly living their retirement. Reflection,
perspective, feedback, and coaching. Sunny
days. Golfing season and “The Belt”. The ability to choose my environment. Fresh air. Teamwork. Bedtime cuddles with Bella and Brielle.
Birthdays. Giving to the less
fortunate. Music. Artistic expression. Listening to Bella and Brielle laugh. The Canadian healthcare system. Exercise. The quiet neighbourhood we live in. Competition.
Having a comfortable bed to sleep in. The stars in the sky. My kids enjoying playing together. Privacy when I want it. Green grass.
Singing birds. Bees. Warm weather. Hanging out in the backyard with friends. Peace.
Conflict with resolution. Family
dinners together. Weekend homemade breakfasts
(waffles, pancakes, French Toast, etc.).
Board and card games. A good
stretch. Poetry. Everyone who fights for our freedom; past,
present and future. Doctors. An amazing view. And the list goes on.
