Gratitude. It’s all about the attitude.

by

In the world of fitness there are, really, only so many topics.
There’s a finite amount of shit stuff about which to write (a vast finite—from yoga to ultra-marathons–but finite none the less) so we each strive to simply put our own twist or stamp on well worn topics.

Today’s dead horse which we shall proceed to flog a few times? Gratitude.

The older I get the less I find that being thankful is a daily struggle or conscious focus. Im grateful most days just for the fact I can get up in the morning (even when the aforementioned awakening is courtesy of the Toddler screaming I WANNNA GO PEEEEE) and, if I find mid-day that my gratitude is waning, it’s far easier now than when I was younger to refocus my feelings.

A few years ago I was more in a place of complacency.

If youd have asked I would have said I liked my life. I liked my friends. I liked my Renaissance Man. Everything was good. Fine.

Then, due to circumstances beyond my control, bingbangboom I went on a business trip which Id thought would last a month & ended up taking four.

Let me clarify: four months. away from routine (forget the working out. that wasnt even on my I WANT list). away from Ren Man & Toddler Tornado. different country.

It was during that time period that I had the opportunity to learn about being grateful for all that I have. Big and small.

I realized that, at least for me, gratitude is linked closely with the Law Of Attraction. What we think truly impacts what flows back toward us (agree? disagree? I wanna know) & when one starts from a place of gratitude it’s amazing what a domino effect it can have on one’s life.

(lecture over. I know. but I truly believe all of this. operate from a place of I WANT AND IM NOT GETTING! & see how far *that* chickenbus takes you. Ill save you the time: nowhere good. fast.)

That said, if youre anything as I am, there are still days where it’s difficult to find the gratitude in your heart.

For me: ToddlerUpAt5 + CoffeeMakerDidntGoOff + NoTimeToShower – AmazingHusband = HardPressedToBeThankfulMizFit.

Been there?

Here are some ways which work for me to locate the silver lining in my cloud when it’s lookin’ 100% like rain.

  • For an entire week set an alarm/reminder for the same time of day. When the reminder PINGS! take a minute (literally) & focus on one aspect of your life/someone in your life for whom you’re grateful.
  • I adore my GRATITUDE BOARD. It’s crammed with pictures & words to remind me precisely for what Im grateful —-everything from the health of friends/family to work opportunities to travel souvenirs. A quick glance is all I need to refocus my day.
  • I recently had a family member come thisclose to losing one of her 5 senses. It was only after that I became truly thankful for my ability to see, hear, taste, touch & smell. Take five days & spend one focusing on each sense. Dedicate a day to being grateful for all you hear. Another to being thankful for all you see. It’s amazing how, when you focus on gratitude, even when what we HEAR isnt what we’re longing for just the fact we CAN hear is a gift.
  • Surround yourself with like minded people. This is an obvious one but bears repeating. Remember the old adage of one negative, bitter, cynical, complaining apple spoils the barrel? it’s true.
  • Bliss list. Trite? Yes (here’s that horse we’re beating). Work? FOR SURE. Take a moment every day to jot down some things for which youre thankful.

You still with me? (I know. I ramble because I love.) Good.

Today’s freebie is something I wear as a touchstone or gratitude reminder. A photo tile necklace which is a photo of Ren Man & Toddler Tornado.

The freebie? The AMAZING WOMAN who made my (not inexpensive) necklace has offered to make photo tile necklaces for three members of the Bumbling Band.

You can be entered to win (all ya’ll. if it’s an international winner I’ll figure out how to get the necklace to you) by commenting below about what you’d put on a photo tile if you won.

What would your gratitude touchstone be?

inspirational words?

a photo of someone you love? (no you cant get entered multiple times by saying MizFit)

a pet?

a drawing by you child? by yourself?

a photo of your favorite place?

Hit us up in the comments.

(winner will be announced this friday. in rhyme.)

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Comments

  1. You are so right about how being around negative people can bring us down. I think as I mature and grow I’m realising so much more how a colleague and friend (that is a good bit older than me) is so negative and critical. So much so I just don’t want to go there any more. It’s not good for me.

    My gratitude touchstone would be some sign or image that represents life and being positive. The sun maybe?
    It’s funny, only the other day I stuck some post-its up in my bedroom with “Every day is a fresh start.” and “Be positive. Become who you want to be.” on them. Just little reminders to myself.

  2. I can associate with you over the family member – my dad started to lose his sight twenty years ago and is now almost completely blind. And yet he still completed his university degree with first class honours AND a distinction, and has taught himself to play the piano. He just keeps on achieving. And he never complains.

    If I were to have a gratitude touchstone, it would be two Manx Shearwater (seabirds) in flight. My dad was – and still is – a very talented artist and when I was a baby he painted that image on my nursery wall, where it remained all through my childhood and teenage years.

    To me the image represents freedom of spirit, to make the best of what you have and to have a strong will in the face of adversity.

    TA x

  3. TA? I pray Id have the grace of your father. It’s all I can say as I really dont know that I would. especially the last sentence of your first paragraph.

    and crazy lady? Im with you on the realization & am SHOCKED at how sickly my negative peeps can get.
    it really is as though their ‘glass half empty’ is breaking down their bodies not just just their spirits.

    M.

  4. Great gratitude attitude! Sometimes we don’t realize what we have until we “don’t” have it. We are blessed with much (like a computer and internet access – more than many in this world have…). And, more importantly, I’m blessed with an awesome family, good health, and a very satisfying life (that beats the internet access any day)!

    I think the necklace is awesome – what a great gift of gratitude I could present to my wife! I”m thinking – maybe a picture of our kids, a family picture, a picture we took recently of a mountain we visited, or a quote (one I like from Mother Theresa) – “There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.”

  5. Great post. It is important to remember all the good things on a day to day basis.

    I would engrave my favorite sanskrit phrase: Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

    It means, roughly, may all beings everywhere know peace and happiness. It reminds me that I am part of something bigger. 🙂

  6. Wow, it’s all so fresh for me. Three days ago I wrote a check for a woman I don’t know, but a fellow freelancer who is a single mom suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease. When I complain about work, I think of her: she can’t work. When I complain about something petty about the kids, I think of her: she can’t care for her son. And then last night I went to a writing class and, while most of us moms are writing about our daily struggles as mothers, one mom is there to write about the experience of losing her child to leukemia. I felt very, very small. And grateful. I am feeling so grateful for my family and my health!

    What resonated with me in this post this particular early morning moment was this: “operate from a place of I WANT AND IM NOT GETTING! & see how far *that* chickenbus takes you.” Because I am feeling a certain frustration over a certain thing I WANT AND I’M NOT GETTING and you know how far that chickenbus has taken me? You got it: nowhere. As of right now, that changes. I’m about to head for my run. Nothing like a run to change gears.

    What would I put on a necklace? I have one right now with silver medallions with my girls’ names on it. I love it. But a photo, that’s hard. What first comes to mind is my pup, the one I wrote about yesterday because if there is a being always full of gratitude, she is it. Always happy, no matter her circumstances. That picture I have posted, the one of her flying toward the camera, that’s the one, coincidentally, that best represents her “high-flying” spirit. We’ve made it into a magnet on our fridge, why not a necklace?

    Can you believe I’m the FOURTH person to comment? I’m so grateful!!

    Happy Day!

  7. I LOVE the idea of a gratitude board! I have just the place for one in my kitchen, and this is going to be our new family project! HOW cool.

    Today my living touchstone and I celebrate the 15th anniversary of our 1st date. That’s 1/3 of my life. (For those of you who struggle with “new” math this early, I’m 29.) In 2 months we will celebrate him being cancer free for 5 years. Unfortunately a good friend of his is currently going through radiation and chemo, and it’s hurting. We are grateful that we did not have to endure that, and grateful that we can be there for him and his family.

    🙂

  8. This is an answer that has already been given, but it would definitely be a picture of my family (which includes the dog).

    My lovely, beautiful wife Adrienne, we just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary, but have been together close to 30. We recently went through a breast cancer scare and I am forever grateful that that worked out as well as it did.

    My two grown-up children Chris and Kate, both now beautiful young adults who I am very proud of, but probably don’t tell them often enough.

    And the little nutcase of the family, our little Jack Russell Terrier, Jackie. Never quite sure what is going on in her head, but she is always loving, devoted, playful and slightly crazy.

    Now, getting the four of them together for a photo is going to be a challenge!

  9. That song is going through my mind – “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone…” Every night before I go to sleep, I think about all the family and friends (and BFF cat) that I am so grateful to have in my life. But I love the idea of setting an alarm and taking a minute every day to focus on something for which I’m grateful – I am going to try that!

    On the necklace… I would have the words, “Bits and Pieces…” It is the title of one of my favorite poems about the people who come in and out of your life – for good or bad. Part of it says, “You find you are made up of all those who have ever touched your life, and you are more because of it and you would be less if they had not touched you…”

    If it were a picture, I would want the sun, moon, and stars to remind me we are all part of this huge world.

    And I have a question – what is a Gratitude Board?

  10. quick ToddlerChasingQuestion:

    Anyone see the post looking wacky today?

    Need to scroll waaaay down to see it?

    Let me know.

    And F.F.TV? *whew* I have a gratitude board post coming & thought it was more dead horse beat’age.

    Good to know it might not be!
    But it is just as it sounds: a place to physically chronicle all you’re thankful for.

    M.

  11. “Faith.” That’s what would be on my touchstone.

    Faith that better times are coming.
    Faith that I am not alone, even when feeling my loneliest.

    Faith that the answers are out there if I am listening or watching or feeling or smelling for them.

    Faith that even though my relationship with food is a constant battle, going to the gym and getting daily exercise is having benefits every time.

    Faith.

  12. The mom of one of my best friends just died a couple days ago. She is the second of my friends to lose a mom to cancer too young. So it’s really reminded me to be more thankful for my health and the health of my family (our allergies are annoying but we can live with them). I lost my own beloved stepfather 3 years ago and at that time I was grateful that my second son was born before he passed away. I named my son after him, so I’m glad he was around to know that.

    OK, on to my answer. It’s predictable, but I would probably have a picture of my 2 little boys on the photo tile. They are gorgeous to look at in addition to being the light of my life. I would also consider putting one of my oldest son’s drawings on it. He has some great family portraits he drew of us last year. We all look like upside-down-U people but we also have huge smiles.

  13. hmmm…so many touchstones in my life! My father, who in his travels to a number of third world countries, would come home and remind us just how rich we are; my maternal grandmother, who, after losing her husband during the depression, took in boarders to make ends meet to the point where she and her three children were living in one room, but who I never heard complain – on the contrary, she was grateful to have a home and be able to make ends meet when so many couldn’t; and of course my little beasties – Bad Cat and Bad Kitten – who teach me how to love unconditionally.

  14. Want and not getting. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. I have just hit a rough patch in this life that has been, for the most part, pretty smooth sailing. My twitter question yesterday? Do you believe in Karma? Because I just don’t know anymore. I would answer like you would have some years ago – things are fine.

    But they are better than fine. And I can find a touchstone – my husband (and the cat, but those are a given, right ;). I went through a rocky relationship when I was younger and finally made the call to end it. Then I found him. If there is such a thing as a soulmate, he’s it. He keeps me going, and keeps me grateful. And my family is always in the background. So I have two! How lucky is that? It’s time to do a little soul searching around here. Your gratitude board post will be most welcome. Thank you.

  16. Hi Miz. Funny…I blogged about being thankful and amazed this weekend. It must be in the water.

    If I were to be given the necklace I would put a picture of my grandmother who died 12 years ago. She was my hero and basically raised me. A night does not go by that I don’t thank g-d for giving me the time I had with her.

    Have a great day!
    Shosh

  17. the karma thing?

    For me it was a truly life altering realization when it hit me that the goodwill one throws out in the world does comeflow back to you but *not* necessarily from the same source toward which you sent it.

    (Make any sense? Its thumbtyping more TIT FOR TAT than I intend.)

    It sounds so obvious now that I ‘get’ it— but it was truly life changing for me.

    Miz.

  18. Wow I LOVE all of your ideas, specially the gratitude board. LOVE IT!

    Hmm if I had to choose something to put on a picture tile, wow, it might have to be a picture of my pregnant belly. I NEVER thought that I would get to experience the wonder of pregnancy. My husband and I are now blessed with a healthy active 4 year old. The reason I would put my pregnant belly or all of me pregnant on the tile is because that was a time I was so full of gratitude. I embraced everything! I was so full of love, wonder and most of all gratitude. Every pain, and ache I had I was so grateful for because that’s what comes with being pregnant. I wish that I could look through the world with eyes so full of gratitude again!

    Thanks for all the wonderful ideas!

  19. For me, it’s simply the moments I have with my kids. For example, every single morning they crawl in bed with me first thing to “snuggle”. So at least before my day has begun (and gone insane), I have that. And I get a snuggle at the end of the day too, which helps alleviate some of whatever happened that day.

    My problem is the middle of the day when I have a serious desire to start slapping people upside the head (not my kids, other people.)

    I’m back and forth on the karma issue.

  20. Such an excellent post! I’ve always been a hopeful sort of person, but I do have my ‘PoorCammy’ days. Usually the universe will present me with someone who has Real Problems to compare myself with and remember that I’m living a fortunate life.

    What I would put on my necklace requires more thought than I’m capable of this early in the a.m., but it would probably be a single word like ‘hope’.

    Not to be crass or greedy, but I’d like to point out that ‘Cammy’ rhymes with lots of stuff, thus making the creating of poetry very easy. 🙂

    Have a happy day!

  21. I think I’d use the word “Blessed” because when it comes to that feeling of gratitude, it comes back to knowing that I’m blessed with so many things to be thankful for. That’s usually what helps me turn around what looks like a negative situation and find the positive.

  22. That “having to scroll way down to see it” thing happens a fair bit to me on your blog. It doesn’t worry me though, you’re worth scrolling down for !

  23. Gratitude…something I fear as generations go by, we become less and less greatful for the people and things we have. One new things I’m greatful fo…all the support I’ve found in blog-land from so many strangers. Everyone has become a greatful form of support…especially you Carla 🙂

  24. Gratitude is so often forgotten in this society. I mean, who has the time to be thankful for all that they have been blessed with, even when people can’t see the blessings that surround them?

    I have a gratitude rock. It’s a small, grayish, smooth stone with some bands of silver going around it that I put in my pocket or in my bag. Whenever I’m fiddling around in my pockets or bag, I come across it and it reminds me to be thankful. And I am.

    You already know I’m a strong believer in the law of attraction. It definitely works. It takes practice and discipline, but once you get the hang of it, it kind of becomes addictive 🙂

    Thanks for posting this up, for all of us who need reminding…

  25. Excellent timing on this post. I’m having a crappy day and questioning a lot of things in my life and even wondering if I want to keep blogging for much longer but how does one go about quitting? Yikes, sorry, TMI.

    So it’s a great time to take a step back and really focus on all that I have to be grateful for.

    As for touchstone, that an easy one for me: my beloved Lobster, who, not coincidentally is out of town right now. Which is probably why I’m in such a foul mood!

    I’m going to haul my ass to the gym now and be grateful that I have the luxury of doing that. Thanks for a very timely post!

  26. Oh, and I forgot about the picture part…I would have an amazing stone, probably a malachite or quartz, with a picture of my mom’s face and my dad’s hands. This is because my mom’s brains and my dad’s hands have supported us and myself throughout my life, and for that I am truly thankful (my mom’s an accountant and my dad’s a mechanic, and I love looking at his rough, beat up hands because they remind me that no matter how successful I become, it all started with them)

    Done rambling.

  27. trying.not.to.comment.

    as always I think I have a thought out beating a dead horse post and YOU ALL show me many things Id entirely missed.

    It takes a Bumbling Band to keep this MizFit on track.

    AND to renew my faith in the world/goodness of humanity.

    M.

  28. My touchstone would almost certainly be the DH, although I don’t think I’d want literally to hang his picture around my neck! Probably I’d choose something related to the ocean. Large bodies of water always put my brain on fire–I think it’s half fear and half attraction, but at any rate I always feel the most ALIVE and aware when I’m near water.

    I used to be very negative, pessimistic, downright cynical. Pursuing fitness has really changed that; you can’t maintain those attitudes while simultaneously believing in yourself, and you have to believe really hard.

  29. My mom died from cancer last year at 50…I just think of her and it usually puts perspective into life. Going through cancer for 2 years, she really never complained much…she always reminded me of how lucky we were. Yes, she felt lucky in her life, even fighting cancer. For having a family, a roof over her head, to be able to travel, for finding her soul mate, etc.
    In her last month she said she was grateful to go this way…to have the time to tell everyone how much they meant to her and realize how much she meant to so many people. I think of her, and although I miss her more than words can say, and I feel grateful for what I have and have had.

  30. I would choose my kids. I am very thankful to be able to be home with them everyday and to teach them Godly values that they would not see or learn from public schools. This is a two income world and it is very hard to live on one income, but we make it.

  31. I’m glad you mentioned pets on your list; until I saw that I was wondering if I should feel bad that the first thing that popped into my mind was my cats. It may seem silly, and I do know that I have a lot to be grateful for in my life, but my cats just bring me so much joy. Though the suggestion of favorite place got me thinking as well.

    Also liking the gratitude board idea. 🙂

  32. Gratitude i truly found the meaning of that this week!! And on my touchstone would be a picture of my life partner 🙂 I’m so glad to still have him with me, and crying as i type this.

  33. What would your gratitude touchstone be? Two words: “Live. Love.” That’s the mantra I use during yoga to control my breathing and my goal for life in general.

    I really need to starte a gratitude/vision board…

  34. If you see me walking around Austin today with SAND POURING FROM MY EARS it’s because Ive shoved my head down in some.

    Im TOTALLY pretending that this isnt all about the GIVE but that we are all gonna spend this week (month? life?) mired in gratitude.

    Im *honored* to be part of all of your morning thoughts.

    Miz., who is a little too excited to do her gratitude board post now.

  35. I love posts on gratitude! This one concept – being grateful, every day, for the experience of life – has changed my life more than any other. I prefer to think of it closer to actions make a habit and habits make a character rather than the law of attraction (which, technically is NOT a law. In science opposites attract).

    A speaker in church once suggested keeping a “gratitude journal” and taking the time every night to look over my day and find 2 or 3 things I am supremely grateful for is one of the best things I do all day.

    I love this! And I love that you love it! And that you live it!!

    That necklace idea is so sweet. What picture would I use? I can’t decide: either my baby’s chubby curled-up fist or a picture of a rock in a river (it’s, um, prettier than it sounds!)

  36. Yes, I had to scroll way down to find the post, but I jumped over here from google reader. Don’t know if that affects things.

    I think I would have a picture of my family on a gratitude touchstone, because I would be in a sad state without them. Who knew one little girl could turn your world so within hours of knowing her?

  37. It’s funny, the last time I spoke negatively, I immediately got a bad, painful case of the hiccups, and had to drink water upside-down (it worked, but I needed to trust BK a lot).

    I’d put a picture of my Grandma in there. She used to do yoga, ride her bike all over, and lift weights. She was always positive, and if insulting someone, made it about her tastes than the other person. Then she went to get a second mammogram because something about the lump in her breast (which the doctors declared benign) bothered her. It had been cancer, and it had already spread to her bones.

    Yet she only complained when she lost her hair, or was in exceptional pain. My grandfather passed away slightly before her (pancreatic cancer), and everyone believes the heartbreak killed her.

    Simply put, she embodied love, gratitude, and healthy living.

  38. you always manage to get me thinking when the coffee hasn’t quite kicked in 😀
    no matter what kind of day i’m having (yesterday wasn’t the best….. i was really annoyed after taking one of our dogs out 5 times and she refused to go because the college kids across the street were having a party and she was scared) i always lie in bed at night and think about how grateful i am to have my husband, my family, our puppies, our health and the fact that i’m alive.
    while i was spinning yesterday, i was looking at my arms while we were sprinting, and thought about how grateful i am to have a body that enables me to do the physical things i want– as that might not always be the case.
    have a great day, miz!!

  40. I would like to wear as a reminder of gratitude a small section of sheet music. I am going to school with a dream of becoming a professional orchestral musician, and it is HARD WORK! I would use the music to remember that I am doing this because it is my passion.

  41. Is it so shallow of me to say that I consider my engagement ring a gratitude touchstone? It was my husband’s mother’s ring and she passed away before I ever got the chance to meet her. When I wear the ring, I think of him as a little boy, of his mom, of how lucky I am to have found him.

    That said, I think I’d get a pic of my newborn baby niece on my necklace. She’s the first baby in the family and needs to be shown off (besides the various screensavers, cell phones, framed pics littering our household etc.)


  42. SAND POURING FROM MY EARS
    SAND POURING FROM MY EARS
    SAND POURING FROM MY EARS
    SAND POURING FROM MY EARS
    SAND POURING FROM MY EARS

  43. My little Scout. He was a rescue puppy that was found on the Interstate last Thanksgiving Day. My husband and I took him in, and gave him all the love we had. 8 weeks later, he was hit by a car and died instantly. He was our little baby. In fact, the night before he died we were laughing because he wouldn’t answer to “Scout”, only “Baby Scout”. In honor of Scout, we took in another abandoned puppy and named her “Radley”. We are so grateful for her, but we still miss our Baby Scout.

  44. Great reminders today MizFit 😉 I try to be grateful for my blessings and some days it is hard when I get so busy, I don’t have time to pause and reflect.

    I would put a family pic in mine. When I see a child’s small hand print, it reminds me of where we all started and that innocence should be at our root…..a peaceful trust that it’s all going to be okay!

  45. Be Grateful. I have to remind myself of this because I get caught up in the crazy thing we call life. On the photo tile I would definitely put my husbands picture. We have been married four months and today is our four month anniversary!

    Times have been tough ever since we got married and he wanted to start a business(fyi I am a student and finishing my last semester of school), which got more complicated. Next month he is going 5 hrs away to work a job he got in Houston. So I stay here, he goes there- my objective: finish school.

    I have taken for granted the past four months he is always around (something new for us!). We got so caught up in everything after the wedding, did we enjoy married bliss enough?

    I definitely want to show him how grateful I am these next two weeks, and remember to keep it up for the rest of our lives. I want to make a point to spend good quality time with him each day (sitting with the laptop doing HW while he surfs tv doesn’t count). And when he has to go to Houston, I want to make sure I have a way each day, to show him I love him, miss him, and so grateful for him being in my life.

    So today I will start (daily!) *thinking* and *showing* how grateful I am for him being in my life.

    Thanks mizfit, that was a great post for me, and on a great day too.

    🙂

  46. That’s wonderful stuff, Miz!! I’ve always been a bit of the brat. I almost expect life to be grand. Yet somehow, I have been granted many wonderful things. I want to feel that my never ending gratitude for life’s gifts has been the “secret,” and prevented me from being leveled too often 🙂

  47. I have been sitting here for 20 minutes trying to decide what I would put on a touchstone. There is so much I am grateful for that I couldn’t possibly put just one thing on there. Seriously.

  48. I thought about this for awhile….I kept thinking, well I am supposed to say my husband and I. I am supposed to say on my wedding day or something. But in my heart that isn’t at all what it should be. My heart is telling me it should be a picture of my father and I. The problem would be picking which picture.

    From my childhood, when he has a massive beard and he is carrying me on his shoulders? From my brother’s wedding where we look so happy together? From a tailgate where you can’t see either of our faces but you can tell he is giving me a kiss on the cheek and his eyes are closed?

    These are the ways I like to remember my father, not the last months of his life when he was so frail and riddled with cancer. I have always been a dad’s girl and with almost every aspect of my life, I ask myself if the decision or choice I am making would make him proud? Despite him dying when I was only 25, I already feel like I was luckier than most because I had a father who was so loving, so involved, so fun, so smart and so dedicated.

  49. My gratitude touchstone could include any of these

    – My dearest hubby

    – coffee beans, I am eternally grateful to whomever decided to pick the cherries, roast them, grind them, and drink them for the 1st time!

    – pictures of my garden

    – a butterfly, which is symbolic of my weight loss to me.

  50. As I get older I realize more and more about that bad apple. Life is too short to spend it with people who suck the life out of you, so I have made my circle of friends smaller but stronger.

    It is really hard to remember to be grateful, but I try every day.

    I would put a picture of my husband and kids on the necklace. I am so grateful to have a loving husband. He is my best friend and truly loves me (and I him.) It seems in this day and age that is the exception rather than the rule. So sad. I am also grateful for my two healthy, funny, charismatic children. We are blessed.

  51. Fitzalan, you make such a fantastic point in your comment. the feeling you should answer one way and yet your heart telling you that the true answer is another one.

    it’s all so interconnected.

    the gratitude.

    the BEING PRESENT & *still* so that we can hear what is in our hearts.

    we do have all the answers we need inside of us IMO.

    if we just stop and listen.

    Miz.

  52. Miz – what a great post!

    It’s obvious from all the comments so far that you have touched on something very important and dear to a lot of your bumbling band.

    A gratitude board sounds like such a terrific idea – I’m starting one today.

    And as for what I am grateful for in my life? (How big IS your comment section?!)

    Methinks my picture on the tile would have to be the photo that I posted of myself and hubby today (talk about a coincidence!!) It embodies our attitude toward life!

  53. I could use a LOT more gratitude in my life. A LOT. I have a ton to be happy about and thankful for and I spend way too much time on the negatives or the “what ifs” of life. This is a great post and I’d like to come back to read it again for a nice reminder!

    The thing(s) I’m most grateful for are my husband and my pets. They really make my life a lot brighter. Just seeing them or thinking about them brings a smile to my face. They’re the foundation I lean on when I need support.

  54. Girl. Making me think today.

    Yes, I have gratitude for what I have. Yes, I get in the chicken bone moments too often. Need to try your list.

    Can’t decide who I’d put in the tile frame. Of course I love my kids and hubby, but, I might want my dad on it..or a place we love to visit such as Italy..

  55. I have an alarm that pings me every day at noon to exercise (at it works great). I just added another alarm for a moment of gratitude reflection.

    My photo tile would have a picture of my family and some of my favorite inspiring words.

    I love the “free prize” component of your blog.

  56. This is such a timely post for me to read! I’ve been so busy with the back-to-school rush with my daughter that I’ve been thinking I need to smell some roses and remind myself why I do it all.

    I’m grateful for my DH and DD – Leo and Phoebe. I keep photos of them at my desk at work and my office walls are practically covered in her artwork and letters to her mom.

  57. Ahhh…so many words I want to say, but I will try to limit myself. (Probably unsuccessfully.) Thank you. I am, as you know, all about being thankful – but lately I have forgotten. The thankful has been subsumed by the resentful. So thank you so much for the reminder.

    I do believe the mindset attracts, both the good and the bad. Add to that, that feeling thankful is so much more pleasant and soul-feeding than feeling angry and resentful…

    There are so, so many things for which I’m thankful, but number one has to be my family…so I guess my necklace would be a rare picture I have of my two girls acting like they like each other. 🙂 If I could figure out a way, I’d add a transparent overlay of the Kanji symbol for Chaos, to remind myself that I am thankful for all of the opportunities for learning and growth that are afforded by my chaotic life.

    Silver linings are EVERYWHERE. Threaded through every single experience we have, good and bad. One of my biggest goals in life is to get better at seeing them. Again, thanks for the reminder. And you KNOW I am so thankful for YOU. 🙂

    V.

  58. I totally thought it was your necklace! Either that or your glasses, and that obviously wouldn’t work? As to what I would put on it, it would be the word “LOVE” mainly because love is the source of my strength. Over the past year, I’ve really been basking in love from my family and friends and realizing that just because one source of supposed love goes away, that doesn’t leave us empty. Instead, all the other love expands to fill that hole.

  59. Nice post and touches on just how grateful we all should be.

    What to put on my tile (if I win) ?????? hmmmmmmmmmmmm

    So many things to chose from….

    My fav pic of my son and I when he was younger.

    My favorite phrase.

    Wow this is hard. If I win I will narrow it down.

    Mara
    http://24stepstogo.blogspot.com/

  60. Bliss list I can do. I accept this challenge. Every day I will write down one thing for which I’m grateful, serious or silly.

    The tile is more difficult for me. Especially since all the well-written, positive posts here have got me thinking about all I have to be grateful for. I think I would want a picture of my parents and my husband together– the people who made me who I am and the person who makes me even better every day. But. There are so many other things that belong there as well. I’m going to keep reading…

  61. Oh, what a good post. I read somewhere — shortly before I quit my toxic job 2 years ago — a quote like this, “Life is too short to breathe negative air.” Meaning, being around negative people, negative environments, etc. So true.

    Anyway, I am most grateful for two things: My hubby would be #1. And, after trying for 4+ years to have a baby, my son would be #2. OK, they are tied for #1, let me be honest, here! I guess I would put a picture of the two of them on the tile.

  62. I’m a big believer that what we think and do flows back to us. I am not religious (in the organized sense), but believe in karma and that doing and thinking good things makes good things come to us! A (lame?) example:
    I pulled up to the gas pump on Friday and saw a man trying to get his wheel chair setup outside his car so he could get out and pump his gas. I immediately ran over and offered to just pump his gas (why don’t gas stations do something about this?). He was very grateful. I finished pumping my own gas and then ran to starbucks. The parking lot there is always ridiculously full, so full you sometimes can’t find a spot. As I pulled in, a front row spot sat open, waiting for me. Good thoughts/actions bring rewards!

  63. I want to make a gratitude board!

    This may be a silly question but how do you make one exactly – as in materials? I would like to do this but I’m picturing a cork board type thing – ? Maybe I just need to get my creative juices flowing.

    I have SO MUCH to be grateful for and a daily reminder is just what I need.

    What would I put on a necklace? I have a picture of my husband and me with our dog – which is our little family. That would be it.

  64. Yep I always have to scroll down a ton to see posts on my work PC, and today is no different. Tends to be fine on my lap-top at home. Was like this even with the old Mizfitonline though…?

    What with Mizfit and the Great Fitness Experiment AND Cranky Fitness all having these superhot new looks, I’m definitely thinking Makeover Time at Off The Scale….

    TA x

  66. You’re right! It is so important to be grateful for all that we have on a daily basis. This is something I’ve been trying to teach my son lately. He’s learning it best by watching and listening to his parents be grateful.

    For the necklace I’d either have a picture of my family, or of my favorite place.

  67. Great Post Miz.

    I would say that I’m forever grateful to laugh with someone. This could be family, friends or coworkers. The togetherness you feel when you can catch yourself smiling about something simple and innocent and look at your partner and see them with that same smile makes everything all right at that time. Connecting with another human being and laughing because you tripped over a word or heard or saw something that two people found funny is fantastic. You’ll also find it’s very hard to have negative thoughts when you are laughing.

  68. Often read about this kinda stuff in the blogosphere but I usaully pay no heed because I don’t really know if the people who are writing it do practice what they preach…When it comes from you however, I pay attention because you do practice what you preach…How do I know that you do? Your kick ass physic does all the work.

  69. A reminder to have gratitude is definitely something I need lately as I have been stuck in one of those phases where I just see the negative. Sometimes once I get there it is hard to take a step back and realize that harboring all of that negativity is not accomplishing anything and everyone has problems, be they big or small. Much better to focus on the positive!

    As to the necklace…my sister’s dog died this morning and she is all alone, in a relatively new city far away from friends/family. So I think that I would put a picture of her dog Sadie on it and send it to her so she always has her nearby even though she is gone.

  70. It is so true that your outlook and attitude help shape the life you live and energy around you!

    I need to be more conscious about who I ‘keep’ in my life–I have a tendency to think the best of people (give them the benefit of a doubt), so for the past year I’ve kept someone close who has been a real downer. Luckily I’ve realized this, so I’m hoping when I move and start my new adventures I’ll be more conscious of that. I like these ideas of little reminders, too–it always helps!

    For my touchstone, I think “Believe”… although Be Present would also be awesome 😉

  71. I’m a karma whore, I admit it. I often do things/think things because I think they are right (like putting money in the donation box at museums and national parks) but afterward I can’t help but think “there’s some more good karma”. I’m also a believer of the ying and the yang, if i’m having a really craptastic day I have to believe someone just won the lottery in life. I would put a picture I took of a fall leaf on the necklace, a symbol that everything is always a-changin’ and you have to live everyday and be happy and grateful for living it!

  72. Thumbs up for this post. I’m going to write my bliss list and read it while relaxing/recharging on my back porch swing. My husband and boys would go on the tile frames.

  73. Ever since I read “The Secret” I have been trying to make big changes in my life. That book really was an eye opener for me. After I finished reading, I made a list of everything that I was thankful for in my life. When I was finished (although I don’t ever think I’ll ever truly be finished my list since I find new things everyday to be grateful for) I couldn’t believe how long my list had gotten…why didn’t I see all these things before. It took a few days to make that list and all of a sudden, I had a different life. I had an amazing, loving, faithful life partner instead of a husband who didn’t put away the dishes when I asked, I had a beautiful, warm home instead of a big ol house that needed more cleaning than I could handle, I had a loving family instead of a once a week dinner obligation. It’s all perscpetive.

    Someone took a picture of Scott and I about 6 months ago. It was just a random picture. I was in a wedding, he was all dressed up. Someone threw a camera in front of us and at the last second, Scott leaned over and kissed my temple just as the flash went off. I remember looking at that picture and I felt nothing but love. Not only because he thought at that moment that he wanted to send a little expression of love my way, but mostly because of the look of pure happiness on my face. It’s not a fake smile-for-the-camera kind of expression. It’s me. The real me. And I think I’m able to be that wonderful, amazing, confident, intelligent woman because I have such an amazing partner by my side, sending little expressions of love my way at any available chance. I’m one of those amazingly lucky people and I thank my lucky stars each and every day.

  74. thanks, chris for your specific words as I do entirely believe this & ENTIRELY mean I hope it’s about more than the freebie-desire which brings lurkers out to comment.

    As tom said it’s all about CONNECTING as well.

    And being thankful for all the people in our own personal Bumbling Bands.

    Miz.

  75. I also love the gratitude post. In the past few years – months – I’ve really tried to think about this, focus, and surround myself with like-minded people. I have some awesome friends where I live now that always make me feel GOOD after time together. And these friends make me realize how negative some other people in my life have been.

    My necklace would definitely have my husband and kids. They are what makes me so grateful and excited to do whatever else it is I do.

    Oh – and yes, I always have to scroll way down to see the post. Not sure why… I noticed it’s not like this on my husband’s MAC.

  76. Again quite timely. Reading Quantum Wellness and love the seemingly social shift we are “leaning into.”

    You are a fantastic example of authentic living. Thank you.

    I’ve used this for years and years and it never loses its punch for me….”Make your day great.”

  77. Mizfit–If only we had enough time or patience to take a moment and stop and listen to hear what the answer or path our heart tells us to take instead of so often doing what we think others want us to do or what we think others will view as ‘right’.

  78. Hey MizFit! I’m a newbie to your blog, but thought I’d comment because I love this topic. It’s so hard to be grateful everyday and not let things get you down. I get stressed out easily and sometimes for reasons I don’t even know.

    Therefore my necklace would say “breathe” (probably in some cute cursive writing). Not only for the obvious sense of reminding myself “Hey girl, chill out anfd breathe!” But also because the word breath comes from the Greek word -pneuma- which also translates into spirit. When we breathe it is like saying God’s name over and over.

    That has always been comforting to me and reminded me in crazy overwhelming times to just chill and take a breath, thus being grateful for the wonderful people and things in my life =)

  79. AMEN, Fitzalan.

    It’s all about making time first and then, if you’re me, really HEARING and DOing & not buying into what others think you should do/fretting what others will say.

    Don’t wait till yer my advanced age 😉

    M.

  83. Hands down it would be my children and my husband. They are my everything and I am grateful for them every day.

    I am grateful my husband is here because he had cancer and was very close to not making it. After a stem cell transplant he has now been cancer free for 7 years. I thank God everyday he is here that I get to spend with him.

    As for my children, my husband and I were told we would never have kids. After his treatments his doctor said we had less then a 1% chance of having children on our own naturally. Imagine my surprise when 3 months after getting married I was pregnant. I am so grateful I was bless with both of them and I will never take that for granted.

    Great post MizFit!!!!!

  84. Miz, this is seriously a wonderful, thoughtful posting.

    Often life is such a whirlwind that we forget to take the time to reflect on what we have to be grateful for.

    This is something that I have most definitely been guilty of and it wasn’t until I left my 90+ hour a week job this past July that I started to slow-down and reflect on my life.

    I made a conscious decision this summer to live my life based on two premises: Peace and Honor.

    By “Peace” I mean both peace of mind and peace in regards to dealing with the outside world. I’m learning to hold my temper and look at the big picture (don’t sweat the small stuff).

    By Honor, I mean dealing with everyone in an honorable way. At the end of the day you have to be able to look at yourself in the mirror, and live with the person looking back at you. While I made a terrific living in my previous life, I no longer felt good about the person looking back at me each morning while I was brushing my teeth.

    It was clearly time to make a change, which meant walking away from a good salary and perks.

    I can honestly say that I’ve never been happier.

    While there are a handful of people who I hold near and dear to my heart, if chosen for this gift I would look to have the Chinese symbols of Peace and Honor put on the tile, as it is these two premises that are the foundation for the rest of my life.

    Susan
    http://www.catapultfitnessblog.com

  85. Fabulous advice. I often forget to shut off that negative chatter in my head and it may overflow into my speech. Those are so wonderful tips to remind us!

  86. My Step MIL (also a close friend) sent me this story a few years ago. I mailed her a coffee bean last year when she was going through a rough time.
    She pressed one into my hand at my sister’s funeral a few months ago.

    No doubt about it, I would have a coffee bean on one side and the Chinese symbol for Love on the other. Love others, Love yourself, Love the fact that the sun is shining on your face today.

    Are you a carrot, egg, or coffee bean?
    A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

    Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word.

    In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

    Turning to her daughter, she asked, “Tell me what you see.”

    “Carrots, eggs, and coffee,” she replied.

    Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.

    The daughter then asked, “What does it mean, mother?”

    Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity – boiling water. Each reacted differently.

    The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.

    The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.

    The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

    “Which are you?” she asked her daughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?”

    Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

    Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

    Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.

    When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

  87. thank you for typing that out, Lisa.

    (resisting.joke.about.how.I.love.coffee.would.want.to.be.bean.regardless.serious.topic.here.)

    I’d not seen it before.
    Powerful.

    M.

  88. What great advice – I try everyday to take a few minutes to say thanks in my head. I remind myself of all the many things I have to be grateful for and take time to wish good things to the people in my life. My philosophy is very simple I view life as as an amazing gift and we should live everyday being grateful that we are here. Time goes by so fast and I try to appreciate every moment – the good with the bad…. Because for me the alternative is not an option.

  89. MizFit MizFit MizFit.

    (Does that qualify me for multiple x multiple times? <– and did that clever little play on words/rhyme just give me bonus points?)

    I love your gratitude board idea! That’s fantastic.

    It’s hard to pick one thing that I’d put in that necklace (which looks SO PRETTY, by the way). I think it would have to be either some kind of inspirational words- “remember” or “understand”, perhaps, because those are two fundamental keys in my life- or a word that defines me (eg. “writer”!)- or else a replica image of my tarot card. That would be very cool. One of those tarot cards can encompass so much meaning so it would be more well-rounded than a lot of other things.

    Either that, or a picture of my favorite flower in the whole world, which is also along the lines of one of the most important things I believe: forget-me-nots.

    Love this post and today my own Operation Therapy Plan begins, and one of the main points in Operation Therapy Plan is GRATITUDE. So this was very timely! And I am grateful that you wrote it:)

  90. Oh, Miz, I think it takes more than the promise of a free necklace (no matter how awesome it is) to get folks to pour out their hearts… Give yerself some credit, woman!

    🙂

  91. I truly believe that being positive and grateful does attract more of the same. I have been working so hard on this for some time now and I know I’m still not where I want to be, but so far beyond where I started. My progress becomes very evident whenever I go home to visit my family. My parents are SO negative, SO much the victims in life, and I realize that they’ve attracted that which they focus on…and they’ve passed those attitudes on to me. It takes a lot of effort to unlearn that. Anyway….my long-winded way of saying I agree with you and I’m working on it!
    What would I put on my tile? Options: a photo of my husband and dog, Captain; maybe just Captain, as my husband doesn’t like having photos taken; one of my favorite beaches. I’m not sure. I’ll have to give that further thought.

  92. Miz – Thank you for this post. Often times I get caught up in what is “wrong” in my life and forget to be truly thankful for the wonderful things in my life.
    I do agree with all the commenters that negative people can make you negative. I have a friend who is a VERY negative person and I have to limit the time that I spend around her or I feel myself being pulled into her negativity. I try to be the type of person that brings out the best in others.

    On my touchstone I would put a picture of my husband and son.

    I am so grateful to have a strong Christian man to lead our household and for the fact that he loves me when I am unloveable. (Which I hate to admit is probably a lot of the time!)

    God has blessed me with a healthy, beautiful son. I am a follower of many blogs of mothers who do not have healthy children or don’t have their children here on Earth. Too many times I get annoyed by the toys all over the house or the bedtime routine that seems to drag on forever. I know in my heart that these mothers’ that I read about (and pray for) would do anything to have their babies’ toys all over the house.

    I am blessed beyond measure and for that I will forever be grateful!

    Sorry for the long comment!

  94. great subject today!
    love the gratitude board idea. i am very visual and think that it would be a great thing to look at and start off my day with. also a great way to refocus when the going gets tough!
    one of the main ideas that i use to refocus when i am feeling negative is health. i am so grateful that i am and that all my family members are healthy!

  96. If I had this necklace I would put a photo of my man, a photo of my dog and a line from Maya Angelou. Here is the whole thing, can you guess which line I would use.

    Someone was hurt before you,
    Wronged before you,
    Hungry before you,
    Frightened before you,
    Beaten before you,
    Humiliated before you,
    Raped before you,
    Yet someone Survived.

    I think that is such an inspirational message! “Yet Someone Survived!” Its something that I tell myself all the time. I am grateful that I know I can survive almost anything that might happen to me.

    Jenn

  97. Hmm. if were to get the necklace what would be on it?

    An image of a specific tree (it’s a personal symbol).
    or

    Words: to life.
    or courage/strength

    or this quote from Tom Burdett:

    “They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world. Someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.”

  98. I would want a picture of a gazelle – it represents who I’ve become. Not just the “on crack” part, but a runner, an athlete. Even though I will never be graceful, I feel that I have a lot of grace in my life. AND since my husband dubbed me the gazelle, it would be a reminder of how lucky I am to have him. I would also like some version of my favorite quote:

    “Do not dare to live without some clear intention toward which your living shall be bent. Mean to be something with all your might.” Phillips Brooks

  99. Oh Miz! I just went back over the comments and wanted to tell you that I always take what you say to heart. I spend time thinking it over and apply the ideas and truths whenever I can.

    I am sure most of your true readers would say the same. You know who we are!

    Jenn

  100. I’ve been in a position where I had to decide to extricate myself from some Doug and Debbie Downers. It wasn’t easy, but it was SO worth it!

    My gratitude touchstone? My family. My husband, kids, and our very patient, loving, long-suffering dog. (Living with 2 toddlers is NOT easy on a canine,lol!)

  101. the more my fabulous morning continues the more I’m reminded how I’m grateful for all of you.

    *every* time my sidekick handheld pings & I get to read a new comment from the Bumbling Band I smile.

    While the Toddler Tornado melted down in Mommy & Me Spanish (eh. You’ll have that!) I was still totally present and grateful.

    Thank YOU.

    M.

  102. So I’ve been feeling sorry for myself being so tired lately, but now after reading that, I should say thank you. I’m grateful to wake up in the morning, even if I am tired. Sometimes we need that reminder. Appreciate it.

  103. Thank you for including the point about surrounding yourself with people who also have an attitude of always being thankful. I believe it truly does make a difference.

    I would probably put a pic of the husband on the necklace along with the words “I am an athlete” and “I am a runner”.

  104. This post and the terrific comments that followed came at a good time for me. I believe it’s more than coincidence. 🙂

    What am I most grateful for? Wow. There’s so much…but I liked the quote Deb mentioned, so I’ll answer in that form:

    Someone to love: Several someones-my family and friends
    Something to do: Writing
    Something to hope for: Hoping to go to Hawaii again!

  105. I know exactly what you are talking about and I know exactly what I would put on that necklace. One of my best friends lost her 3 newborn baby girls last year shortly after their birth. She and her husband were just blessed this week with a healthy baby girl that they have been able to take home and love on. Being with my friend through this experience in her life has taught me even more how grateful I should be for every blessing in my life. You’ve never heard a woman soo happy that her baby kept her up all night.

    I would put all 4 of the girls first initials on the necklace and give it to my friend so that she can have a new reminder of all her little angels.

    I love you site! Thank you for all the helpful info and advice!

  106. Re: Your comment on my blog. Sadly, shadowing did not happen; the personal trainer had to take care of some personal issues. I’ve shadowed her before, and yes, very inspiring.

    I read this post earlier and had to think about it for a while. I love my boyfriend, and putting him on a tile sounds romantic, but I think that in the spirit of this post, I would put a picture of my parents on the tile. I am both grateful for all that they have done for me, and grateful for being born to them.

  107. I think you wrote this post for me! I’ve been struggling with negative thoughts. I’ve most definitely had the ‘woe is me’ syndrome! Your post smacked me square on the forehead. Thank you! I plan on doing some of the things that you had (a gratitude board) to help remember!

    A photo tile….it would be a picture of myself. I am grateful to be alive and well and capable of loving.

  108. I would definitely put a picture of my daughter on the tile. She is my miracle baby, and I am blessed beyond words. Of course, I can say that right now; I have coffee!

  109. I would put my dog on it. As an Army wife (for 20 years – then he retired), mother of 5, volunteering way too much time to way too many organizations, my dog became my escape from all the harsh realities of life.

    We spend a lot of time together training in obedience and agility, and lots of weekends competing in one of those. That time spent training and trialing gets me away from the rest of my life – wife, mother, worker – and lets me find a new part of myself. I no longer have kids yelling or a husband needing a clean shirt, or whatever else is happening that day.

    Just my dog and I out having fun together. What could be better?

  110. IT’S OUR BENEFACTOR 🙂


    I feel most grateful sitting in my boys room listening to the unique cadence of each of them as they sleep and drinking in the “little too warm under the blanket but don’t want the monsters under the bed to get me” smell that encompasses their room.

    Today, I also feel grateful that Mizfit stopped by my site two years ago.

    What great comments!!

  111. I went at lunch and bought materials to start my gratitude board – just some cork board and glue and fun stickers to start with. Thanks MizFit for the idea!

  112. I am grateful every day (probably more so since the cancer diagnosis). Even this morning on the way home (it was early, early) the sunrise was so amazing and the mountains were so beautiful — I actually thanked the ‘Great Whatever’ for allowing me to still be on the planet so I could witness that kind of beauty. The idea of a gratitude board is great though I don’t need a board because gratitude is with me all of the time. All *I* really have to do is be aware — too bad awareness is fleeting. Maybe I need an Awareness board. This morning I was doubly-aware and grateful for those few moments.

    The necklaces are lovely.
    I would probably put a picture of the people I love most which would start with a photo of myself (of course!) Or maybe a mirrored piece.

  113. Wow. Not only is the necklace beautiful, but this was such a great post. You’re right — most of us don’t spend much time (or any time) thinking about what we’re grateful for.

    I recognize the necklace now that you mention you always wear yours, but you’ve never shown a close-up.

    I would ADORE this necklace. I think I’d have inspirational words on mine, though, unless I could think of a photo important enough to me.

  114. my baby girl – she threw my life upside down and inside out, has made me laugh, cry, and all of the above…but is the BEST thing that ever happened to me!!!!!!!!

  116. Tough question – I’m finding it difficult to think of *just one thing* that would symbolize all the things we are grateful for. Perhaps I would pick a symbol that indicates rain or clouds – as a reminder that even the things which seem sad or negative are opportunities for growth, for perserverance, for character strength, for which we can be grateful.

  117. Gratitude Board, hmmmm. Well. I don’t know. Maybe a scenic photo or a picture of the Earth from space as a reminder that I am alive and everything else is gravy. That said, the pic will have the notation: “You are here. Do something.”

  118. OH my gosh I totally needed this today. Perfect flippin’ timing – after I post a crappy post about how bummed I am about a measly 8 pound weight gain.

    I am definately a believer of the Law of Attraction! I post pictures of destinations I want to go to around my desk. Still waiting for Thailand, but it worked for South Africa. I also wrote out a list of qualities I want in a man and I keep it in my wallet at all times. I look at it often.

    When I am grateful, when I remember all the little things that I am blessed with, I am so much happier. My list is so long, it’s hard to even start it. That’s how lucky I am.

    Thanks MizFit.

    Last – regarding the T.B. sighting -she is so much prettier than I thought. Really pretty. AND really thin. She looks kinda big on her show, but she is much thinner in real life. She looked damn good.

  119. Working with older clients (in personal training, sure, but even more so in water aerobics classes) has made me realize how valuable my youth is. You know the saying, “Youth is wasted on the young”? Well, I’m determined not to let mine be wasted. I am extraordinarily grateful for the lovely women who are kind enough to remind me how valuable youth is, and that I ought to enjoy mine while I can.

    That said, I think gratitude springs from a general self-awareness, an awakeness, an alertness to the self and the world around you. When you’re focused internally all the time, you never think to look around–to look outside–and see how wonderfully blessed you are. Waking up to gratitude could provide the opportunity to wake up to a whole world of beauty, love, joy, and community.

    Also: chickenbus?

  120. PS. I love the necklace, but I think my sister would love it even more. And since I Love my sister more than anyone, I would have one made for her with pics of her babies on it.

  121. Okay, I thought about it and one person keeps coming to mind and that would have to be my husband. He really and truly is the love of my life and there are so many times that I take him for granted. In the swirl of the job, the kids, the house, etc etc etc, he often gets left out of the mix and he’s the reason I have all of those things in the first place! I am so grateful to him for working hard and building this life for us that includes so many things to be grateful for. Having his picture on a necklace would be a wonderful reminder for me to make sure I let him know how much I appreciate him. Even if I don’t win this, I think I’m going to try to do something like this anyway.

    Excellent excellent post by the way!

  122. I literally stopped in my tracks on my way out of the gym this morning, awestruck at the gorgeous sunrise. And I thought to myself, “I need to be more grateful for all that is around me.” Then I came home and read your post. Nothing like karma repeating herself to get your attention, eh?

    My watch alarm is set for 7 p.m. each day, to remind me to take a daily medication. It’s usually around the toddlers’ bedtimes and not my most grateful time of day, but I am now going to make a point to stop for a moment when the alarm goes off (take my meds before I forget!!) and think of all I have to be grateful for.

    As for the necklace? I would want either just my two crazy kiddos together or my hubby and I with them. I’ll have to give more thought to what I would want on the back.

  124. Beautiful post, gorgeous necklace idea.

    I’m thankful everyday that my kids & husband are healthy. We’ve had unexplainable health scares with both my daughter and my husband. When I wake Sophie up in the mornings and she feels fine, I am grateful. My husband has not had a recurrence in over a year. (My son is healthy as a horse, which I’m always grateful for.)

    Anytime I run, I’m thankful I can.

    The picture on my necklace would be of the kids, which we just had taken in a local park this past Saturday. The photographer & his wife were doing a fund raiser so they can adopt two kids from Haiti. The pictures turned out great, and they are going to get to bring home their son this fall.

  125. I’m grateful for my two-year-old nephew, who inspires me everytime I am with him. He finds joy in the tiniest things in life and reminds me of how special each and every day is.
    I am also grateful for my strong legs, which will help me reach my goal of running my first half marathon in just over two weeks!

  126. I would want a picture of a TREE. To me, trees are a symbol of grace and strength, qualities I strive for and need to be reminded of from time to time. But trees also remind me of the many hiking and backpacking trips I’ve been on, and how much I enjoy spending time outdoors. And trees remind me of my late grandfather, who took me on long nature walks as a small girl, and taught me the names of all the trees that grew on our land.

    I journal every day, and lately my journal entries have been all about working through some difficult, dark things. I think writing down one thing I’m grateful for every day would be a great way to redirect some of my writing into a more positive place.

  128. Love this post. Needed it today. (Well, all week actually – what took you so long? LOL)

    I don’t have a board, and I don’t wear jewelry, but when I’m stressed out and burned out and feeling like crap, I repeat, “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you” over and over. After a while I realize what I’m thankful for. It’s a nice system.

    And when life seems really bad, I say, “Life is good, all the time” over and over. Sometimes I add, “Even if I can’t see it now:” “Life is good, all the time, even if I can’t see it now.” That’s kind of a long one, but if I’m curled up crying somwhere, it covers all the bases and gives me something to focus on besides how much things SUCK. (I said it a lot when my grandma died.)

  129. Oh, I almost forgot: I always have to scroll way down to see the posts, whether at home or work. I’ve got PCs both places, so I don’t know if that has something to do with it. 🙂

  131. Oh my goodness I only now managed to get through this whole post, and no way do I have time for all the comments! My 4 yo woke up with a fever, but no other symptoms. I’m grateful for health insurance – which we didn’t have before we moved, and is why my husband took this job – so I know I can take him to the doctor if I need to.

    On the like-minded people: One of the things I have the hardest time with is my husband. I don’t know if he has always been so negative, and I was just so smitten in the beginning that I didn’t notice, or if I was too, so I didn’t notice, or if he’s gotten worse with age. But he can be so negative, and it really takes a toll on me. He doesn’t realize it, or says that what I think is his pessimism is really his form of optimism (?), but just when I’m starting to feel up and positive and hopeful, he – almost always unintentionally – puts a big damper on it.

    I obviously can’t escape that – I love him, we have a good family life for the most part – but I never know just exactly how to deal with it.

  132. My pug, who passed away a few months ago. He was 15 and even though it made him stiff and sore he would always want to go for a walk with me no matter what.

    When he was put down the vet told us he stayed awake far longer than he’s ever seen any dog last for and that he had skin as tough as cow hide.

    That’s my boy….stubborn and tough but full of love.

  133. Im weak 🙂
    I caint help jumping back in…try as I might.

    Judy? for me a LOT of it is the more positive and grateful and *thankful* I’ve become the more I notice when others arent that way.

    I have a few unavoidable people in my life who dont even view the glass as half full as to them IT’S BROKEN.

    the more Ive changed the more I notice their mindsets/the mindsets of others who tend more toward the negative end of the spectrum.

    Ive *shockingly* (youd join me in the jaw droppage if you knew him. take my word for it) gotten Ren Man to almost buy into the law of attraction and DEFINITELY join into the gratitude board.

    that said, Ive no tips but lead by example.

    great.big.cheery.grateful.smiling.example.

    not much help I know.

    Miz.

  134. You are so right! While serving a mission for my church in Finland, there was a time when I was really down and depressed. I decided every night when returning home, to say a “gratitude prayer” where I would remember everything good that happened that day. I wouldn’t ask for anything, I wouldn’t think about the bad stuff, I would just be thankful for the mini miracles that occurred all the time. As I did this, things didn’t really change, but my perspective on life TOTALLY did! I realized how much good was really going on.

    Right now, I’m really grateful for my husband and two kids. They make life worthwhile…so I would probably want their pictures around my neck!

  135. oh oh so many things to choose. I would put a picture of my kids and hubby because my life wouldn’t be complete without them. They are what makes me me now. After being diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma when I was 15 my parents moved us away from the area and to a place where although I was not happy at first I could not imagine my life anywhere else now… and the life I had always dreamed of including two beautiful, healthy boys and a wonderful hubby.

  136. I would definitely have a picture of my own toddler (lovely wonderful snuggly 3yr old ALL BOY) and my award winning Husband (award winning in my eyes). Everyday they give me something to smile about/to laugh over. My Boy even tells me when he thinks I am down, “I make you happy Mama!” He is right.
    Great post, my two cents on the law of attraction thing-I definitely think it is true and try and practice positive thinking at all times if I can help it. Today walking in to the hospital I told myself that I love doing clinical rounds and that I am good at it etc and today was not so bad, it went pretty well I would say. The days I went in freaked out and almost scared it was awful. Lesson learned.

  137. What a great post….! I’ve been trying to be conscious of all that I’m grateful for lately. It’s so easy to focus on the negative, isn’t it? Viewing the proverbiaol cup as half full is a much better way to live.

    If I had a “grateful” necklace….I’d put a pic of my parents on it. I lost them both with in a few weeks of one another and miss them terribly. I am eternally grateful that God blessed me with them. They were awesome and it’s because of them that I am who I am.

  138. I’d go with a picture of a yellow hat. It represents the proverbial sunny side of life – and the approach to life that I try to maintain through life’s comical journey. It would remind me that even when times are tough to find that brighter outlook. Also, I wear a yellow hat when I run, so it would remind me to think on the mentally freeing and physical strength building that come with that favorite activity of mine. With my yellow hat firmly in place I’m armed and ready for anything!

    Oh, and I of course DO blog about that, too. Me and my yellow hat. 🙂 Oh, and Monday is all about being thankful with my theme of Starting with a Thankful Heart. It is a great way to start the week!

  139. It’s always amazing to me just how grateful you can feel for the blessings in life, when you simply take a moment to think about those blessings. Often the problem for me is in taking the time to consider, to feel that gratefulness. It’s really easy to get caught up in your own difficulties. However, “When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears” (Anthony Robbins) seems to be true, at least in my life!!

    I’m not sure what I would put on a necklace… although I am an amateur photographer; I’m sure I could find something! I currently wear a necklace with three rings; one says discipline, one says integrity, and the last says strength, but the rings are cheap metal and turning green.

  140. My gratitude touchstone . . . perhaps the cape cod bracelet my husband got for me several years ago. I’ve only removed it for massages since then. My son has teethed on it and fiddled with it, my husband was so proud that I love it . . .

    So that’s it.

    Too tired to be more effusive.

  141. This obviously hit a ” nerve” with many. Look at the responses!
    What you said makes sense – about being grateful. So many of us do take what we have for granted. But we are blessed, most of us. We just have to “look around” sometimes and just realize it. I do my share of complaining, and I will think next time.
    Good one Miz!

  142. Holy cow, I can’t believe how this post has brought out the masses! It will take me the rest of the week just to finish reading the comments. But I’m okay with that.

    Once I started thinking about it, I had too much to say for just a comment, so I wrote a whole post and challenged myself. Feel free to check it out at your leisure.

    I love the concept of avoiding the “I WANT AND IM NOT GETTING!” attitude. I think that materialism is so rampant in our society, and that people try to find happiness in “stuff”. Even worse, I’m guilty of this myself (hello, retail therapy?). But most of the time I remind myself of a quote from Dan Ho (a lifestyle guru on Discovery Health): “The stuff that life is made of is LIFE, not STUFF.”

    And although I’ve been thinking about this all day, I’m still not sure what my touchstone would be. There’s not really a picture that would capture the essence. So I might put something like “Families are Forever”, because then it includes all (well, most) of the important people in my life (that wouldn’t fit in a tiny picture on a tile). And it would sort of be like the “Eternity” necklace that the Hubs gave me last year for a very special occasion.

    Okay, that was still a really long comment, but I think this subject is so important and relevant, that you can never talk about it too much (read: no dead-horse beating in my opinion). Besides, the more you talk about gratitude, the more likely you are to practice it, and have the good come back to you, right?

    Oh, and I love the idea of a gratitude board. I may have to ponder that and let the creative juices flow. Thanks, Miz!!!!!

  144. I’m VERY Grateful to my husband and my daughter. Hubby was almost killed in a car accident 6 months ago and even more grateful he returned to work last week! I love my daughter more and more daily and never knew what motherhood was like. I had to have an emerg cr -section and her lungs where collapsed and she had 10% HR but she is alive and well and into everything now!! lol but,I’m thankful for having these 2 ppl in my life! I’ve had alot of struggles in life and realized early on material things aren’t what matters. its those that are close to you

  145. This has been something I’ve really been trying to get a handle on lately. I think the gratitude board is a great idea. I will work on that this weekend for myself.

    I am most grateful for my two dogs who are like my children, only furry and haters of squirrels, and my parents who have always been supportive of me no matter what I get myself into.

    I read The Secret a few months ago and have been slowly trying to implement ideas from it. It has amazed me these last few weeks, that since I’ve been trying to get into this I have found so many like minded people, not just online but also in real life. It’s like life’s little nudges that tells you you’re heading in the right direction. 🙂

  146. Gratitude is so important… It brings us out of the daily muck and forces us to focus on what’s important.

    I would definitely choose a photo taken by my amazing photographerhusband from our anniversary trip last year. He has one of a grasshopper sitting on a lily pad that’s really beautiful and reminds me of our time together there.

  147. Hi there MizFit. I’m coming over as NBOTW from Barbara’s blog to say hi.

    Gratitude and the Law of Attraction do go hand in hand. My gratitude touchstone would be a picture of the farmhouse where I grew up. So many memories that I’m grateful for.

  148. Wow … run a contest and everyone comments … even me! It is really funny the timing of this post because I was looking for inspirational jewelry last night! Trying to find a necklace that I can wear all the time … to touch … to feel against me … to remind me about my goals and where I am going as I try to lose this flipping flapping weight! Her work is truly amazing … I am thinking Christmas present for my mom. Wonder if there are any artistic photos of kettlebells? 🙂

    You rock woman!

  149. wow…so many amazing comments! Thanks for a super post that touched so many of us! I’ve mentioned my son’s autism before, but I’m grateful for who he is and not who I’d hoped for or who he might become, but just for who he is right now…he has brought so much to our family, and I think I’d have to choose a picture of my 3 kids all together because not too long ago, you wouldn’t have had a picture of them all together…one would have been as far away from my other two as possible. Now, they are a threesome. Hope. Gratitude.

  150. Since this one’s open to international readers….I’ll throw up a comment.:D

    Your comment about how being in a country not your own for an extended period of time, and how that gave you the opportunity to learn about gratitude totally resonated with me…it’s going on two years now that we’ve been living in China learning Chinese (and going on 3 years living in Asia) and it has been all about learning gratitude.

    Somedays, it’s gratitude that my Chinese didn’t give out on me while negotiating with the lady at the vegetable market (seriously, in the first month here…I had a lot of small moments that led to BIG gratitude…come home to my husband saying, HEY! I told the lady I wanted to buy tomatoes…and LOOK!!! She understood what I wanted!!!). Other days the gratitude has less to do with the language-learning process, and more to do with understanding and finding my place in the culture around me…realizing and being thankful for the small ways in which our neighbors look out for us, even though we are definitely not from around here!:D And other times, when I’m homesick and not necessarily wanting to be here, I can be grateful that I have friends and family to miss!

    Typing that all out, I realize that it sounds totally “Pollyanna”….and I am definitely not her. But being removed from our comfort zones is not only an opportunity to develop an attitude of gratefulness, but also a chance to realize how powerful said attitude can be.

    Now, as to what I would put on that necklace…it’s hard to say. It would probably be something in Chinese (though I’ve got so many favorite words that are meaningful, it’s difficult to choose)…and probably a picture of my family. so hard to decide….I was going to comment right away, but wanted to know what I’d put on the necklace….but still can’t decide! Anyway, I didn’t want to miss out on a chance to win though…so here’s my comment.

  151. “operate from a place of I WANT AND IM NOT GETTING! & see how far *that* chickenbus takes you. Ill save you the time: nowhere good. fast.”

    first of all – chickenbus?? ahahahahaha.

    second of all – a truer statement was never spoken. and thanks for hammering it into my pea-brain. timing is everything, yo.

    and third of all – i have no idea about the tile thing, as i decided to post a comment when the chickenbus hit me, so to speak. i’m guessing that means someone else needs it more than i do!

  152. As they say, Carla – Attitude Changes Everything!

    Yep, I’m a big believer that how we think becomes how we live. Think negative crap and your life becomes negative crap.

    Thanks for a GREAT post. You obviously hit a nerve with folks.

  153. GREAT post!
    Love the necklaces. After just returning from a startling dr. appointment and receiving some not-so-good news, I would definitely put a picture of my boys on the necklace with the word being “live” I currently have the power to take control of my health and get in the shape I need to be in order to live a long and productive life. I want to be around in 30-40 years to celebrate life with my husband and sons. Therefore a picture of them and the word “live” would be a constant reminder of my motivation to make the healthy choices and live my life to the fullest.

  154. I love the idea of a gratitude board. I think I am going to try that. I often say to my fiance to just stop for a minute with me and breathe and remember the moment (whatever memory we are in the middle of making). I want to remember all of those little moments in times where it looks like it’s going to pour.

    The necklaces are gorgeous. If I had one I would put a picture of my mom on it. She is the strongest, bravest, most loving woman I have ever known. She passed away almost 7 years ago (it will be 7 on october 16th), but every day I am reminded of her strength and love. On the opposite side, where you can write a message, I would write what she always told me: “Va’ dove ti porta il cuore” or… “go where your heart takes you” (english translation).

  155. I’d put the AA symbol on it. Almost 30 years (April 1979), since I’ve had a drink.

    Either that, or the picture of my Udder Run medal for 2nd place. 🙂

  156. oh i so loved this post. sometimes i think you’re meant to read something at a particular point in your life-slash-week just because that is where your head is at and that is what your head needs to hear. i have had one of those weeks and being grateful is exactly what i need to be. and you’re so right about the law of attraction — because when the negativity flows out of me, which a week like this will tend to do to a person — oh, well, it comes back to me 10fold. so thank you for posting this as a reminder and i love your ideas for daily reminders.

  157. Wow darling, this is a fantastic post. I think a lot of us needed this reminder today.

    I too ventured off for a 3 month project out of the country and found myself there 6 months later praying for simple things and a consistent, monotonous, life.

    You know, the things we take for granted ;-).

    You really are amazing. Keep being you. We like you. 🙂

  158. Great post. I am thankful for so many things. Especially simple things. The life God has allowed me to live. My great parents. My brother and sister. Special friends. My doggies. The beauty of God’s creation. But how do you put all these things on a necklace? Maybe I’d put a picture of my dogs. Or maybe a picture of the chair in my garden where I go to meet God and praise him for all he has given me?

  162. I have to say, Gratitude. It’s all about the attitude. | MizFitOnline is a certainly fantastic website. I might like to offer you my hi and thanks. Special regards, Simply

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  6. […] EXTRA TIP: We’ve started implementing the rule of ‘for every new toy the Tornado gets she must select two to give away.’ The giveaway toys don’t have to be things she’s still playing with, but we do choose toys gently enough used to be able to be donated or passed along to a friend.  This tactic has tremendously helped reduce toy-clutter (& instill gratitude). […]

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